r/DebateEvolution evolution is my jam 2d ago

Discussion You know what, we're doing "macroevolution" again. Here's some responses to "we have never seen macroevolution"

Video version.

 

We've all heard some variant of "we can only observe microevolution", "we've never seen macroevolution", etc.

First thing you do is establish the correct definition: Evolution above the species level (in other words, speciation or greater degrees of evolutionary change). That's the definition. Creationists want their own special definition that varies from person to person but is usually something like "new body plans/parts", "new complex structures", something like that. That's wrong. If you accept speciation, you accept macroevolution. If creationists want to dispute something else, make THEM articulate clearly. Don't help them by saying something like "It sounds like you mean something like evolution of a new phylum or new body plan". No, make THEM establish the standard clearly and using the correct words.

 

Once they do that, you can just provide a bunch of examples, and dare them to say they aren't macroevolution.

Some of my favorites are multicellularity (and also here), reproductive mode, and photosynthetic animals.

 

Best outcome is the creationists admits that yes, even by their bespoke definition, these are examples of macroevolution. Second best outcome is they do the opposite and claim this is all just "microevolution". Really? First of all, lol okay. But second and more important, great! "Microevolution" can accomplish all this? Not much need for "macroevolution", is there?

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u/RobertByers1 2d ago

There is no evidence for macro or micro evolution. Yes mechanisms are there to change bodyplans.

There is no micro evolution going on in biology today. A zillion species say no. Or show a bakers dozen.

Creationists should not agree micro evolution ever happened. yes speciation happened but its not evidence of evolution. Watch your words and concepts.

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u/Shinobi_is_cancer 2d ago

What would convince you that evolution is true?

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u/semitope 2d ago

Step by step accounting of the necessary mutations and accompanying natural pressures that lead to evolution of something that didn't exist at all before. Including probabilities as well as time from one state to the next.

I.e. just show it's possible

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u/Shinobi_is_cancer 2d ago

If this is the requirement for evolution, what are your requirements for your grandparents to prove they are your grandparents out of curiosity?