Evolution Gets a Poke In the Eye - Granite Grok

Evolution Gets a Poke In the Eye

evolutionThe theory of Evolution suggests things about the adaptation of species over the course of history that lead us to what we see today. But an extensive research project just poked evolution in the eye.

Newly released research that analyzed millions of DNA barcodes has come to a surprising conclusion that effectively turns the theory of evolution on its head. The massive study, which spanned a decade of work from hundreds of scientists, found that 9 out of 10 animal species on the planet came into being around the same time as humans, 100,000 to 200,000 years ago.

Senior research associate at the Program for the Human Environment at Rockefeller University Mark Stoeckle and University of Basel geneticist David Thaler found that 90% of all animal life on earth appeared at approximately the same time. Thaler said, “This conclusion is very surprising, and I fought against it as hard as I could.”

In related news, carbon dating has also come under scrutiny.

Another study coming out of Cornell University has found significant inaccuracies in one of the key methods archeologists use to determine the age of objects made from organic material — radiocarbon dating.

Regional difference may affect the calibration curve. Measurements in different places can’t use the same calibration metrics, or the dating could be off.  It is an interesting dilemma that could lead to all sorts of new exciting “discoveries” about when artifacts are from and so on.

The Patriot Post has more on both topics and a much-needed disclaimer.

As any good scientist knows, theories do not rise to the level of fact until they have been proven. Therefore, any theory should be held to somewhat lightly, as one never knows what future research may reveal. An honest scientist should give no quarter to hubris.

Let’s not treat this like Global Warming, people.

>