A new dinosaur find that has joined a growing list of fossil finds that don’t fit an evolutionary picture.
gabriel
New Dinosaur Causes New Confusion
by Brian Thomas, M.S. *
In their recent examination of a new two-legged dinosaur
discovered in New Mexico, evolutionary paleontologists were
looking for new clues to untangle their conflicting theories of
dinosaur origins. But instead of providing answers, the new
dinosaur has joined a growing list of fossil finds that don�t fit
an evolutionary picture.
A study was recently published in the journal Science on the new
theropod dinosaur,1 which was named Tawa hallae after the Hopi
Indian name for the sun god, �Tawa.� The Tawa discovery included
remains from about five different individuals in the fossil-rich
quarry at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, where Hopi and
other Pueblo Indians used to live. The quarry penetrates Upper
Triassic sediments that were formed, according to study co-author
Randy Irmis, when fishes, crocodile-like animals, and dinosaurs
were �swept into the river channel during flooding episodes.�2
As is common with reconstructions of evolutionary history,
determining which of the various dinosaur forms are related and
when and how they merged, emerged, or diverged has been a
frustrating challenge for evolutionary researchers. Nevertheless,
the authors began the Science paper optimistically by stating,
�Characterization of this taxon�s morphology and phylogenetic
history enables us to solidify basal saurischian dinosaur
relationships.�1 In other words, Tawa hallae�s characteristics
supposedly bring clarity to the previously confusing web of
dinosaurs� evolutionary connections.
However, after a lengthy discussion of the implications of the
Tawa finds, the researchers concluded, �Explaining these patterns
remains an outstanding problem in early dinosaur evolution.�1 One
pattern that is difficult to explain is the lack of transitional
features in Tawa, which renders its placement into the dinosaur
evolutionary tree very subjective.
Instead of possessing a collection of traits that lie somewhere
along a graded continuum from one dinosaur kind to another, as
Darwinism predicts, the scientists found that Tawa was �a mosaic
of plesiomorphic and derived features.�1 That is, it shared
similar features with theropod dinosaurs like T. rex, but it also
had other features found in very different dinosaur kinds. In
fact, several of Tawa�s features were described as
�synapomorphies.� These are features that evolutionists think
leapfrogged from an evolutionary ancestor over its more direct
descendants, only to suddenly and inexplicably reappear in much
later descendants.
But this apparently random distribution of features across
supposedly related and unrelated forms does not fit into a
gradualistic Darwinian tree of life.3 If Darwinism is an accurate
model, then a gradual transition between kinds should be
observed, with certain features showing methodical modifications
in a continuous succession.
If the major evolutionary tenet that life evolved by one kind
morphing into another kind is an incorrect teaching, then it
would appear that the researchers� use of the term �synapomorphy�
is merely a handy way to bestow evolutionary approval on evidence
that actually contradicts it.
Interestingly, earlier this year, the technical description given
for the highly publicized fossil lemur nicknamed �Ida� also led
to the conclusion that its collection of features as a �mosaic.�4
Not long after, UK researchers described a newly discovered
flying reptile fossil as a �mosaic.�5 They even noted that most
creatures look like mosaics of fully formed features, and that
this fact was difficult to reconcile with traditional notions of
how evolution supposedly works.
Tawa, therefore, adds its name to a growing list of fossilized
creatures that show no indication of gradual, broad-scale
evolution. In fact, the latest find was depicted in Science as an
evolutionary dead-end, with uncertain ancestors and no
descendants. Tawa, along with so many other creatures, displays
all the signs of purposeful design.
References
1.Nesbitt, S. J. et al. 2009. A Complete Skeleton of a Late
Triassic Saurischian and the Early Evolution of Dinosaurs.
Science. 326 (5959): 1530.
2.Irmis, R. Investigating the rise of dinosaurs: Field notes from
Randy Irmis. University of California Museum of Paleontology.
Posted on ucmp.berkeley.edu June 2007, accessed December 11,
2009.
3.Thomas, B. and F. Sherwin. 2009. Darwin�s Withering Tree of
Life. Acts & Facts. 38 (5): 16-17.
4.See Thomas, B. and F. Sherwin. Ida: Separating the Science from
the Media Campaign. ICR News. Posted on icr.org May 22, 2009,
accessed December 11, 2009.
5.As reported in L�, J. et al. 2009. Evidence for modular
evolution in a long-tailed pterosaur with a pterodactyloid skull.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
Published online before print October 14, 2009. See Thomas, B.
New Pterosaur Fossil Forces Re-think of Standard Evolution. ICR
News. Posted on icr.org October 21, 2009, accessed December 11,
2009.
Romans 1:17-25 KJV
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from
faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in
them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are
without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not
as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an
image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted
beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through
the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies
between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped
and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen.