Page 226 - The Errors the American National Academy of Sciences

The Errors of the American National Academy of Sciences

" "E v o l l u t t i i o n i i n A c t t i i o n " : :
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Evolution in Action":
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" "Evolution in Action":
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J Ju s t t I I n t t h e M i i n d s o f f I I t t s S u p p o r r t t e r r s
ust In the Minds of Its Supporters
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J Just In the Minds of Its Supporters
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The NAS authors cite several examples of evolution occurring
every day: bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the resistance of mosqui-
toes to insecticides, and the resistance of malaria parasites to drugs
(Science and Creationism, p. 21).
We have already discussed the fact that the gradual acquisition
by bacteria of resistance to antibiotics has nothing to do with evolu-
tion, and we shall not repeat this material here. In the same way, the
acquisition by mosquitoes of resistance to pesticides is also not evi-
dence of evolution.
Why immunity to DDT is not evidence for evolution
Evolutionists often attempt to portray the way in which mosqui-
toes and other insects acquire resistance to pesticides such as DDT as
evidence in favor of the theory of evolution; however, the truth is
very different. It is a mutation that makes insects resistant to pesti-
cides. This mutation, however, does not constitute evidence for the
theory of evolution.
Before examining this, let us briefly summarize the effect of DDT
on insects. A DDT molecule attaches itself to a specific matching site
on the membrane of the insect's nerve cells. It thus prevents the nerve
from functioning properly. When sufficient DDT molecules attach
themselves to the nerve cells, the nervous system collapses and the
insect dies. 7
So, how does an insect acquire resistance to DDT? By losing its
sensitivity to DDT. This loss is the result of a mutation that alters the
area in the nerve cell to which the DDT molecule normally attaches it-
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self. Any mutation that prevents DDT from attaching to the nerve cell

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