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Debunking evolution

In a number of threads I've been involved with, the validity of the theory of evolution has been questioned extensively. Some people have claimed that it can't work and there is no evidence to support it. Now, it's my understanding that scientific hypotheses and theories (for ease of typing and reading, I will refer to both under the heading of theory) aren't proved, but disproved. In other words, if evidence is found that disproves a theory, it is dropped or modified according to the new evidence.

My intention with this thread is to look at the evidence which would be able to disprove the theory of evolution. For example, the confirmed existence of a modern mammal among dinosaur fossils. Or an organism with DNA that does not match any other organism or, indeed, something other than DNA.

It has also been claimed that the discovery of a living dinosaur would debunk evolution. I'm not sure why this is thought to be so, because there are organisms that have remained essentially unchanged for millions of years. Consider the humble Lamprey; originated prior to dinosaurs and has remained essentially unchanged since. Rather than disproving evolution, this, in my opinion, goes to confirming it. If an organism is well adapted for its environment and that environment remains reasonably constant over time, the theory would predict little change in it.

Anyway, I'd be interested to see other's opinion and other evidence that, if it was found, would disprove evolution.
ninalanyon61-69, T
[quote]the discovery of a living dinosaur would debunk evolution[/quote]

It's all over for us scientists then; we are surrounded by flying dinosaurs. See https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/why-are-birds-the-only-surviving-dinosaurs.html for instance.

馃槣
SharonF
[quote]Or an organism with DNA that does not match any other organism or, indeed, something other than DNA. [/quote]
Why would that disprove evolution? Surely it would just suggest two (or more) instances of abiogenesis, each evolving independently.
Bushranger70-79, M
@Sharon That would show that life on other planets arose independently of life on earth.

I agree with what you are saying, and know that the hypothetical organism I'm proposing has an almost zero probability of being found. The only way that it could come into existence would be by a creation event.

This raises the question of why disparate genera, that were supposedly created, have genetic similarities. The similarities are even more evident between species.

I think my hypothetical organism would need to be the norm, [i]ie,[/i] no genetic similarities between genera, in order to debunk evolution.

But hey, part of this thread is about having some fun while looking at the topic. Nothing like letting your imagination out for a run every now and then.
SharonF
@Bushranger If we find life on other planets apparently related to that here on Earth, it [b]could[/b] be evidence of panspermia. Alternatively, it could call apparent relationships between all life on Earth into question.

It's possible, of course, that life on Earth was created by The Flying Spaghetti Monster - after all, nobody has been able to prove that it wasn't. ;) Perhaps, on another planet, life different from that on Earth was created by The Flying Linguine Monster. :)

My point, however, is that finding some specimen completely unrelated to all other life here does not disprove evolution. There is plenty of evidence showing how all life currently known is related and has evolved. Your new, hypothetical, specimen would just be evidence of another instance of abiogenesis, perhaps evolving along its own line.
Bushranger70-79, M
@Sharon The potential for so many creations based on pasta varieties is mund blowing.

How about if my hypothetical organsim showed no evidence of evolution? If all fossil evidence showed no variation at all and the organism was found in a wide variety of environments, then [i]ex nihilio[/i] creation would be the most logical explanation.

This is what I have always objected to with YEC. If something was created, why would it be related to other species and why would it change over time.
assemblingaknob26-30, F
What about jellay fishays
assemblingaknob26-30, F
@Bushranger 馃槶 Nuuuu... Because I'm CUTE
newjaninev256-60, F
@assemblingaknob Are you familiar with Golden Jellyfish?

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/g/golden-jellyfish/
assemblingaknob26-30, F
@newjaninev2 OMG too cute

 
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