Evolution: Did we really evolve from Apes?

[kaya'08]

If your Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sihk, Athiest, Agnostic, whatever, i want to hear your opinions on Evolution. Did it occur? If so, are we the biologically enhanced version of Apes, changed over thousands of years of evolution? Or did it not happen at all. Does it have any scientific basis? Or did a being from a greater source place us here?

Whats your opinions?

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

I'm Germanic Pagan.

I believe in the theory of evolution, though not necessarily abiogenesis. I do not believe that the gods created humanity; I believe that creation myths are symbolic representations of the gods' role in shaping our ancestors' development from our humanoid forebears into the precursors of the tribes that crafted our mythology.

 

[talloulou]

If your Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sihk, Athiest, Agnostic, whatever, i want to hear your opinions on Evolution. Did it occur? If so, are we the biologically enhanced version of Apes, changed over thousands of years of evolution? Or did it not happen at all. Does it have any scientific basis? Or did a being from a greater source place us here?

Whats your opinions?

I remain completely open to the idea that we may have been genetically interfered with by aliens. I find it hard to readily buy into the idea that there was a natural progression/evolution from ape to human sans interference of some sort.

 

[cherokee]

Even now I still believe in evolution.

 

[cherokee]

If your Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sihk, Athiest, Agnostic, whatever, i want to hear your opinions on Evolution. Did it occur? If so, are we the biologically enhanced version of Apes, changed over thousands of years of evolution? Or did it not happen at all. Does it have any scientific basis? Or did a being from a greater source place us here?

Whats your opinions?

A two percent difference in the DNA makes a human or chimp
plus we also have the remnants of a tail.

 

[Grateful Heart]

The evidence for the fact of evolution is overwhelming. The detailed theory of natural selection is constantly being updated... as are all scientific theories.

The creationist/intelligent design movement has so thoroughly imploded that they really don't know where to turn at the moment... except to obscure web sites, silly YouTube productions, and Christian theme parks.

For a light-hearted, but damning series on creationists you might want to check out "Why People Laugh at Creationists" on YouTube:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS5vid4GkEY"]YouTube - Why do people laugh at creationists? (part 1)[/ame]

 

[talloulou]

A two percent difference in the DNA makes a human or chimp
plus we also have the remnants of a tail.

Well have they found a definitive common ancestor yet or do they still just believe there was one?

I read recently that our ancestors weren't as ape like as previously believed:

Human ancestors 'less ape-like' - Telegraph

Why our ancestors couldn't ape chimps - Science, News - The Independent

 

[talloulou]

The evidence for the fact of evolution is overwhelming. The detailed theory of natural selection is constantly being updated... as are all scientific theories.

The creationist/intelligent design movement has so thoroughly imploded that they really don't know where to turn at the moment... except to obscure web sites, silly YouTube productions, and Christian theme parks.

For a light-hearted, but damning series on creationists you might want to check out "Why People Laugh at Creationists" on YouTube:

YouTube - Why do people laugh at creationists? (part 1)

You do realize you can believe in evolution while also questioning a common ancestor between apes and men?

 

[Spartacus FPV]

You do realize you can believe in evolution while also questioning a common ancestor between apes and men?

Precisely, in fact we did not evolve from modern apes, we have a common ancestor with them. That ancestor was also an ape, as are we. "Ape" just means homonid.

 

[Spartacus FPV]

The evidence for the fact of evolution is overwhelming. The detailed theory of natural selection is constantly being updated... as are all scientific theories.

The creationist/intelligent design movement has so thoroughly imploded that they really don't know where to turn at the moment... except to obscure web sites, silly YouTube productions, and Christian theme parks.

For a light-hearted, but damning series on creationists you might want to check out "Why People Laugh at Creationists" on YouTube:

YouTube - Why do people laugh at creationists? (part 1)

I recommend NOVA's Intelligent Design on Trial

 

[talloulou]

Precisely, in fact we did not evolve from modern apes, we have a common ancestor with them. That ancestor was also an ape, as are we. "Ape" just means homonid.

But the "common ancestor" theory is still just that, theory right? I remember back when Time magazine was announcing the common ancestor was found and it was Ardipithecus ramidus but that has since been debunked or at least reduced to "close to the common ancestor" but not the common ancestor.

Earliest hominid discovery not the missing link — But close

Not having found definitive proof of the common ancestor doesn't mean there isn't one but it does leave the door open for that possibility.

 

[cherokee]

I recommend NOVA's Intelligent Design on Trial

That was an outstanding program.......

I think FrontLine aired something close as well
Just cant remember the name.

FRONTLINE: home | PBS

 

[TOJ]

For many, the journey is ongoing.


.

 

[Spartacus FPV]

But the "common ancestor" theory is still just that, theory right?

Its also a "theory" that we revolve around the sun, theory doesn't mean guess in science.

I remember back when Time magazine was announcing the common ancestor was found and it was Ardipithecus ramidus but that has since been debunked or at least reduced to "close to the common ancestor" but not the common ancestor.

Earliest hominid discovery not the missing link — But close

Not having found definitive proof of the common ancestor doesn't mean there isn't one but it does leave the door open for that possibility.

The whole notion of a missing link or a "transitional fossil" is meaningless, all ancestors are transitional forms. There are gaps in the fossil records, they get smaller and smaller all the time.

The fact remains that modern apes, our common ancestor, and homo sapiens are all apes, by definition.

EDIT: Also, fossils are not the best way at determining the exact age and common ancestor, the genetic evidence for evolution and the common DNA when comparing human and chimpanzee samples is.

 

[talloulou]

Its also a "theory" that we revolve around the sun, theory doesn't mean guess in science.

Yeah I get that. But still it's important to not be all closed minded when dealing with theory.

The whole notion of a missing link or a "transitional fossil" is meaningless, all ancestors are transitional forms. There are gaps in the fossil records, they get smaller and smaller all the time.

The fact remains that modern apes, our common ancestor, and homo sapiens are all apes, by definition.

Well I think there's still now a little room in there for some alien/god manipulation within the species whereas if the fossil record was complete with all links spoken for the fun alien stuff would seem childish. I take my alien manipulation theories quite seriously and I'd hate to have to give that up. :mrgreen:

 

[Spartacus FPV]

Science, Evolution and Creationism - National Academy of Sciences

Thats an excellent resource on the debate.

 

[Spartacus FPV]

Yeah I get that. But still it's important to not be all closed minded when dealing with theory.

Who is being closed minded, the whole point of theory in science is that they can be changed when faced with new evidence. A theory in science means the idea is so well established that no new evidence is likely to alter them. In science it means "a comprehensive explanation of an important feature of nature that is supported by many facts gathered over time."

Consider the compelling evidence that we orbit our sun, no matter how true we regard that theory, it is still subject to new evidence that could overturn it. This evidence would be HIGHLY unlikely, and would have to explain away our perceptions, let alone Newtonian physics.

Well I think there's still now a little room in there for some alien/god manipulation within the species whereas if the fossil record was complete with all links spoken for the fun alien stuff would seem childish. I take my alien manipulation theories quite seriously and I'd hate to have to give that up. :mrgreen:

That's fine, if you have reason for your beliefs, or evidence of intervention I am all ears.

I personally think the only mystery left in the study of life is its origin. I don't believe live started here, I believe in [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panspermia"]panspermia.[/ame]

 

[Tucker Case]

I'm proof positive, that at some point along the evolutionary pathway, one of my ancestors ****ed a gorilla.

WikiAnswers - How long is a gorilla penis

The evidence is right there.

 

[Arch Enemy]

The Op's poll is bad.
Most evolutionists (there are always the nut-jobs) agree that we did not evolve from Apes. That we evolved from a similar biological entity. We should take evolution, and her many gizmos, as theory and not fact. Anything that turns from speculation becomes dogma, and thus questioning it becomes heresy. Question everything. Question why you wake up and go to work, Question why you wanted Rasin Bran over CoCo Puffs, Question why you settle for misery and a 30k salary. If you don't question things, then you will fail to understand anything.

 

[Spartacus FPV]

The Op's poll is bad.
Most evolutionists (there are always the nut-jobs) agree that we did not evolve from Apes. That we evolved from a similar biological entity. We should take evolution, and her many gizmos, as theory and not fact. Anything that turns from speculation becomes dogma, and thus questioning it becomes heresy. Question everything. Question why you wake up and go to work, Question why you wanted Rasin Bran over CoCo Puffs, Question why you settle for misery and a 30k salary. If you don't question things, then you will fail to understand anything.

What? In everyday language a theory means a hunch or speculation, but not so in science. Read the above posts. A theory is a collection of facts, and it has allowed scientists to verify countless predictions.

I don't understand what you mean by "theory and not fact," that is a contradiction.

I agree with you that we should "question everything," that is the whole point of science. Skepticism is the default scientific position, you don't gain any ground without evidence and/or mathematics to support your position.

 

[celticlord]

1. Humans did not evolve from apes. Apes and humans share common ancestry.
2. Are we quite certain the process is evolution and not devolution?

 

[Spartacus FPV]

1. Humans did not evolve from apes. Apes and humans share common ancestry.
2. Are we quite certain the process is evolution and not devolution?

1. You're right that we didn't evolve "from apes," we are apes (homonids) and so is was our common ancestor; We evolved from another ape.

2. I don't... that isn't... what?

 

[talloulou]

A theory is a collection of facts, and it has allowed scientists to verify predictions countless predictions.

Scientific theory isn't a collection of facts. It's an interpretation of what a series of facts and repeatable observations might mean. Still a guess, but an educated one with merit validated by the facts and observations that seem to point to the theory.

 

[Arch Enemy]

What? In everyday language a theory means a hunch or speculation, but not so in science. Read the above posts. A theory is a collection of facts, and it has allowed scientists to verify countless predictions.

I don't understand what you mean by "theory and not fact," that is a contradiction.

I agree with you that we should "question everything," that is the whole point of science. Skepticism is the default scientific position, you don't gain any ground without evidence and/or mathematics to support your position.

Ah yeah.

I meant Law, not "fact".

 

[Arch Enemy]

1. Humans did not evolve from apes. Apes and humans share common ancestry.
2. Are we quite certain the process is evolution and not devolution?

Oh come on.

We really don't know **** about our roots. We can only see the shadow that follows us a couple of times a week.