WHAT DOES EVOLUTION MEAN? A CONVERSATION WITH DR. DAN KUEBLER

[Michie]

For many people, the idea of biological evolution carries philosophical baggage. But what is evolution? Did we evolve just by chance as a consequence of random events? Dr. Dan Kuebler, molecular and cell biologist, has asked these questions, too. In this award-winning video, Dr. Kuebler reveals how he has personally grappled with these questions. Having always had a strong sense of purpose in his life, he wondered how purpose could be compatible with evolution, a seemingly meaningless biological process.

Is Evolution Random?​

Interestingly, the more he learned about evolution, the more Dr. Kuebler was amazed by how much order can be observed in the processes of evolution. But what does evolution mean? Evolution did not seem to be random in nature. By understanding the broad concepts as well as molecular intricacies of evolution, he learned that while chance certainly plays a role in evolution, evolution also only works because it operates within a system of complex, ordered, and nuanced laws. One such system of evolution is convergent evolution.

What is Convergent Evolution?​

Convergent evolution is an example of profound order in the evolutionary process. The human camera-like eye has evolved in several other lineages of animals, including some cephalopods and gastropods. Since the spectrum of light wavelengths in nature is fixed, vastly different animals separately evolved to take advantage of that light and harness it in a useful way for their species. Another example of convergent evolution is how animals like bats and dolphins evolved to use echolocation to hunt prey despite difficult environmental challenges.

What does Evolution Mean for the Human Person?​

Continued below.

What Does Evolution Mean? A Conversation with Dr. Dan Kuebler

What does evolution mean? Is it random or purposeful? Listen to biologist Dr. Dan Kuebler on the meaning of evolution.

www.magiscenter.com

 

[Ace777]

Did we evolve just by chance as a consequence of random events?

My son is a computer engineer. Random does not exist even though things can be too complex to understand. Out of this comes chaos theory and the butterfly effect to show how a little can mean a lot. Jesus described this as crossing the t and dotting the i. This shows us how precise everything needs to be. We are here because of precision, not random effects.

 

[The Barbarian]

Is Evolution Random?​

Interestingly, the more he learned about evolution, the more Dr. Kuebler was amazed by how much order can be observed in the processes of evolution. But what does evolution mean? Evolution did not seem to be random in nature.

Darwin's great discovery was that it isn't random. I'm very sure that Dr. Kuebler knows this; I suspect that the interviewer got things a little mixed up. Yes, biological evolution is consistent with a teleology, including a loving Creator. Indeed, engineers have learned that for very complex problems, evolutionary processes are more efficient than design.

Often, we discover that God is a lot wiser than we suspect.

 

[Psalm 27]

"Over the past 200 years something remarkable has happened: heights, globally but particularly in Europe, have increased dramatically. Many European countries saw increases in average heights of over 15 cm, and this has been especially evident in the Netherlands – the average Dutch man has grown from 166 cm in 1810 to 184 cm today, an increase of 18 cm in just two centuries. Dutch men are currently the tallest in the world.

Average male height (in cm) per decade, 1820-1980. Clio Infra, based on Baten & Blum (2012)
While genetics undoubtedly plays a leading role in determining individuals’ heights, this tremendous change across an entire population cannot be explained by evolution alone – if that were the case, the change in height would have occurred over a much longer timescale". (K. Thompson).

 

[The Barbarian]

Average male height (in cm) per decade, 1820-1980. Clio Infra, based on Baten & Blum (2012)
While genetics undoubtedly plays a leading role in determining individuals’ heights, this tremendous change across an entire population cannot be explained by evolution alone – if that were the case, the change in height would have occurred over a much longer timescale".

Very true. Nutrition, medical care, and so on, probably have more to do with it. Sexual selection could do this fairly quickly, but I see no evidence for that being the case.

 

[Ace777]

Nutrition, medical care, and so on,

Nutrition has a lot to do with it. We have a neice raised in the Philippines that is in the marching band. They gave her the smallest uniform and it is still big on her. Of course when their legs are shorter they have to run faster to keep up but they do manage.

 

[The Barbarian]

Nutrition has a lot to do with it. We have a neice raised in the Philippines that is in the marching band. They gave her the smallest uniform and it is still big on her. Of course when their legs are shorter they have to run faster to keep up but they do manage.

No worries. My wife is a small woman, but a most formidable one. Size isn't everything.

 

[Ace777]

My wife is a small woman, but a most formidable one.

My wife says: "small but fierce". I am twice her weight but I am not so sure she cannot outwrestle me.

 

[The Barbarian]

My wife says: "small but fierce". I am twice her weight but I am not so sure she cannot outwrestle me.

I have seen my wife in Mother Bear mode. She's scary.

 

[Ace777]

I have seen my wife in Mother Bear mode. She's scary.

I was amazed at how much my wife supported her son. He was in the band in high school and college. She want to a lot of the games just to support him and watch him march in the band.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I am currently shrinking.

It runs in my dads side of family.
Maybe we have been evolving too, the wrong way.

 

[Michie]

I am currently shrinking.

It runs in my dads side of family.
Maybe we have been evolving too, the wrong way.

Shrinking?? My mom says she is shrinking! Lol!

 

[The Barbarian]

It's normal for older people to get shorter as they age. It can indicate a health problem, but often, it's harmless.

Why do I shrink in height as I age? - Harvard Health

Around age 40, most people lose some height, and the decline accelerates with age. This "shrinkage" can be slowed by preventing osteoporosis and improving posture. Getting enough calcium and vitami...

www.health.harvard.edu