" We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life. Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged." - Dissent from Darwin

Natural selection [is used] carelessly as a mantra, as in the evidence-free “just-so stories” concocted out of thin air by mentally lazy adaptationists. (Stephen Jay Gould)

In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence. (Isaac newton)

Thursday, January 3, 2008

How Bambi evolved into Moby-Dick

A small deer-like animal that evaded predators by hiding underwater may have evolved into today's whales.

The landmark finding represents a long-sought "missing link" in the 10m-year journey that saw ancient land mammals evolve into modern cetaceans, a group that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Scientists have long known that whales are mammals whose ancient ancestors walked on land, but only in the past 15 years have they unearthed fossils that shed light on the creatures' dramatic evolutionary history. The latest discovery, named Indohyus, is the first whale ancestor known to have lived on land.

A near-complete skeleton of the animal was constructed, close in size to a domestic cat, dating from 48m years ago.

Storyteller : Hans Thewissen at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
How Bambi evolved into Mobi-Dick

Story Research : How Bambi gave rise to Mobi-Dick.

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