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Module 2 Practice Examination
Answer for essay question 21
A complete answer includes all of these points.
A minimal answer has the key points but not all the details of the sub-points:
(This is adapted from the Module 2 chart, "Using Models of Origins to Make Predictions." And it includes the "Update Evidence Chart" for each of the four topics on the "Using Models of Origins to Make Predictions" chart.)
Natural Selection
Predictions of the Young-Earth Creation Model | 1. | Different variations of same kind may be selected by various environmental pressures | | 2. | Variations are restricted to the boundaries of that kind |
Predictions of the Old-Earth Evolution Model | 1. | The "most fit" individuals will be selected and their gene pools perpetuated | | 2. | Continued selection of the most fit results in new species formation |
The Evidence | The Peppered moth—showed changes in the frequencies of two populations which were variations of the same species |
Speciation
Predictions of the Young-Earth Creation Model | 1. | Variation within kind | | 2. | Stasis of kind | | 3. | Potential for decrease in variation and information |
Predictions of the Old-Earth Evolution Model | 1. | Natural selection results in new adaptations to environment | | 2. | New species are formed | | 3. | Increase in variation and information |
The Evidence | The Finches of the Galapagos Islands—a geographic barrier resulted in loss of information and variation—despeciation |
Fossil Record
Predictions of the Young-Earth Creation Model | 1. | Abrupt appearance of complex life | | 2. | Simple and complex life together from the beginning | | 3. | Stasis of kinds (sharp boundaries among types of plants and animals) | | 4. | Ability to classify fossils by same criteria used today | | 5. | Mosaics of complete traits in unique combinations (good design) |
Predictions of the Old-Earth Evolution Model | 1. | Simple life to complex | | 2. | Complex life always following simple life-forms | | 3. | Continuum of transitional forms from simple to complex | | 4. | Difficulty classifying fossils by same criteria used today | | 5. | Many bad designs that were replaced by more highly evolved life |
The Evidence | Evidence for points 1 and 2, Cambrian Explosion | | Evidence for point 3, No undisputed transitional forms have ever been found | | Evidence for point 4, Many examples of living fossils (eg. Coelacanth, crinoids) | | Evidence for point 5, Archaeopteryx, a Mosaics example |
Age of the Earth
Predictions of the Young-Earth Creation Model | 1. | Find evidence of rapid burial and sediment deposition | | 2. | Sedimentary rocks in soft, plastic form after Flood capable of being deformed |
Predictions of the Old-Earth Evolution Model | 1. | Find evidence of gradual sediment deposition | | 2. | Each rock layer took millions of years to form and was already hard rock when deformed |
The Evidence | Evidence for point 1, Nautiloid canyon; invertebrate fossils; polystrate fossils; limestone composition; sandstone crossbedding | | Evidence for point 2, Kaibab uplift, clastic dikes, etc. |
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