Evolutionary Tree

[downbeatplumb]

So your point is one huge argument from ignorance. Gotcha.

No, my point was to have a discussion on what happens to the overall Theory of Evolution (modern synthesis) if the theory of Common Descent is permanently undermined due to unresolved gene conflicts. I offered my opinion that if common descent is permanently undermined, everything we have inferred about the overall theory is called into question. In light of feedback and further reflection, it does not matter to the question whether Common Descent is an assumption or a conclusion--only that it is intertwined in many of the sub-theories. The question remains unanswered unless your answer is that it cannot be wrong--in which case that is not a very scientific position.

Stop reading the religious sites they lie to you.  The old way of determining the relationship of animals to each other  was based on superficial things, but now the genes are looked at and this reveals a more complete story. The idea that science refining a theory is cause to reject it is laughable. Common descent is the answer that best fits the evidence and remains so.