I keep seeing creationists make the same false claim, that biologists think evolution is supported simply because different species have similarities.
Let's settle this right here and now. THIS ISN'T TRUE!!!! That is not what biologists are saying. As TO puts it:
"Mere similarity between organisms is not enough to support macroevolution; the nested classification pattern produced by a branching evolutionary process, such as common descent, is much more specific than simple similarity."
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/comdesc/section1.html#nested_hierarchy
It is the PATTERN of both similarities and differences which evidences evolution, not simply similarities. You can read more about what a nested hierarchy is and how they are constructed at the TO page linked above.
When we say that fossils support evolution, it is because the fossils fall into the same nested hierarchy that living species do.
When we say that a comparison of genomes supports evolution, it is because the pattern of DNA similarities and differences produce the same nested hierarchy as the one based on physical characteristics.
The most fundamental piece of evidence that supports the theory of evolution is the nested hierarchy, and it is nearly always ignored by creationists.
Let's settle this right here and now. THIS ISN'T TRUE!!!! That is not what biologists are saying. As TO puts it:
"Mere similarity between organisms is not enough to support macroevolution; the nested classification pattern produced by a branching evolutionary process, such as common descent, is much more specific than simple similarity."
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/comdesc/section1.html#nested_hierarchy
It is the PATTERN of both similarities and differences which evidences evolution, not simply similarities. You can read more about what a nested hierarchy is and how they are constructed at the TO page linked above.
When we say that fossils support evolution, it is because the fossils fall into the same nested hierarchy that living species do.
When we say that a comparison of genomes supports evolution, it is because the pattern of DNA similarities and differences produce the same nested hierarchy as the one based on physical characteristics.
The most fundamental piece of evidence that supports the theory of evolution is the nested hierarchy, and it is nearly always ignored by creationists.
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