The "Cambrian Explosion" poses something of an evolutionary conundrum. Darwin's Dilemma, a DVD produced by Illustra Media, was released last month and provides an intelligent assessment of the problem.
The Cambrian period, dated from 542 to 488 million years ago (give or take a few million), presents a remarkable paleontological panorama. Prior to the Cambrian, the fossil evidence shows the presence of some sponges and what-not. But then in a geological flash, numerous phyla (distinguishable, defined, and developed body plans) burst onto the scene - hence the term, the "Cambrian Explosion."
The resultant problem for Neo-Darwinism is manifold. Certainly the absence of any fossil record of transitional forms is an obvious and perplexing issue. But there are some profound and no less troubling matters arising from our current understanding of data processing.
I watched the DVD last night, including the 60 minutes of bonus material. It's all good! It is well-suited to home-schooling (but is not going to hold the interest of most elementary and many middle school student), adult discussion groups, and for sharing with friends who are open and interested in "Intelligent Design." The militant Darwinist will dismiss it. But anyone who wants to be allowed to consider the evidence will appreciate the producer's focus on the fossil record itself and his restraint in posing solutions.
There is a great nugget tucked away in the bonus material. On the page for "Signature in the Cell" is a menu tab titled, "Interview with Stephen Meyer." His story about the programmer who said, "Someone has been here before," will prompt you to think about life and our Creator in new ways.
Want to spark some intelligent discussion with science minded friends? The decision about purchasing this DVD is no dilemma.
I've not watched this particular video but the issues you raise are ones that given Darwinists concern. The lack of the appropriate fossil record has given rise to a belief called punctuated evolution which essentially says the fossil record is sketcky at times because sudden changes in climate/conditions/whatever were so drastic that evolution "jumped" to new species. This is, in my opinion, a sad state of science. In essence this is providing a post hoc explanation for data that do not fit the a priori assumptions. At best it is poor science, at worse it is dogma dressed up in a white lab coat.
Posted by: Bubba Matthews | October 13, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Doug,
I disagree! Punctuated equilibrium is THE soundest theory as to the universe's origins, so long as you limit the number of punctuations to no more than six: 1) Light 2) Sky 3) Dry Land, Vegetation & Sea 4) Heavenly Bodies 5) Fish & Birds 6) All manner of Fauna & Humans!
Playfully submitted,
the Devil's Advocate
Posted by: Austin | October 13, 2009 at 11:45 AM
touche
Posted by: Bubba Matthews | October 13, 2009 at 05:58 PM