Page 147 - Darwinism Refuted

Harun Yahya (Adnan Oktar)

The Mechanism of Punctuated Equilibrium
The punctuated equilibrium theory of evolution, in its present state,
holds that living populations show no changes over long periods of time,
but stay in a kind of equilibrium. According to this viewpoint,
evolutionary changes take place in short time frames and in very restricted
populations—that is, the equilibrium is divided into separate periods or,
in other words, "punctuated." Because the population is very small, large
mutations are chosen by means of natural selection and thus enable a new
species to emerge.
For instance, according to this theory, a species of reptile survives for
millions of years, undergoing no changes. But one small group of reptiles
somehow leaves this species and undergoes a series of major mutations,
the reason for which is not made clear. Those mutations which are
advantageous quickly take root in this restricted group. The group evolves
rapidly, and in a short time turns into another species of reptile, or even a
mammal. Because this process happens very quickly, and in a small
population, there are very few fossils of intermediate forms left behind, or
maybe none.
On close examination, this theory was actually proposed to develop
an answer to the question, "How can one imagine an evolutionary period
so rapid as not to leave any fossils behind it?" Two basic hypotheses are
accepted while developing this answer:
1. that macromutations—wide-ranging mutations leading to large
changes in living creatures' genetic make-up—bring advantages and
produce new genetic information; and
2. that small animal populations have greater potential for genetic
change.
However, both of these hypotheses are clearly at odds with scientific
knowledge.

The Misconception About Macromutations
The first hypothesis—that macromutations occur in large numbers,
making the emergence of new species possible—conflicts with known
facts of genetics.

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