Oxford University decodes the platypus genome and finds it to be a mix of bird, reptile and lactating mammal. YAHOO NEWS SOURCE
What’s so exciting about that? It has to do with the ongoing Evolution vs. Creation and Intelligent Design debates. (I use the word “debates” lightly).
Creation theory and ID proponents usually state that all species are designed by a creator as is and without change – and evolution states that species change over time. If species change, then there must be “transitional” species that show one species changing to another. Or at least an indication of it.
One of the famous (and ludicrous) and common creationist statements is: “If evolution is true, why don’t we see monkeys with wings.” In other words, where are the transitional forms?
Well here’s one: the platypus.
How odd is the platypus? In the 19th century taxidermists that received platypus thought they were a joke – a stitching together of several different animals. And in a way they are.
“It is impossible to use logic to change a belief reached without it.” If this information DID appease creationists – the debates would have been over a hundred years ago.
I run several forums for public discussion of evolution vs. creation. It is quite amazing to me, flabbergasting actually, how much information is put forth – and ignored.