(April 22, 2012 at 10:07 pm)deciple Wrote: I believe that one species can indeed evolve within its own species such as a raptor like an eagle can develop better eyesight over a period of time or a tree can develop a resistance to a particular type of insect over time, however i do not believe that one animal can ever turn into another animal. The way i understand evolution is that out of nothing some kind of single celled organisim sprang and then that evolved into a two celled organism then that eventually turned into a fish, the fish turned into a lizard the lizard branched off and turned into a bird and a mammal and then from that we get monkeys and they turned into people.
Ok, Deciple, I want to show you a picture of the tree of life.
Now, as you can see, the general idea is that lizards and mammals do origin from fish-related creatures. However, the lizard did not branch off and became a mammal, as you can see mammals evolved earlier on than reptilians. I think you see evolution linearly, but that's not the case. We have a base, and from there all different lifeforms spring forth and over a looooong period of time.
I mean, just look at us humans. See on the tree how high up we are in the canopy? That means that we as a species are fairly new, yet, evolution can be seen among our own kind. For instance, sickle-cell anemia, which is a life threatening condition, is actually beneficial to have in areas with malaria. The parasite can't reproduce in the sickle shaped blood cell, so it is a desirable trait to have even though it's dangerous. Evolution is based upon the principle that when you have the right set of genes in the right environment, you'll thrive.
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura