Examples of Transitional Forms

Flightless or morphed Wings are described in, pp. 344, TGSOE. This description will undoubtedly invoke charges of “loss of function” by ID enthusiasts. The ID “Loss of Function” theory is refuted in Darwin/Wallace Prediction. This is a separate issue and is a red herring. I think it is even a ploy to distract the unwary from the important the idea that flightless wings are a transitional form.

Animals with lungs that live the water depict evolutional transitions. As described on, pp. 342 in TGSOE, it certainly makes no sense to have lungs for animals that live in the water. Gills are far better suited for the job.

But some animals have adapted in amazing ways. Some turtles have even adapted to breathe through their “arse”, TGSOE, 173. I encourage anyone to read Dawkins’ section on chelonians (turtles, tortoises and terrapins). There, he discusses how some have fins and some have feet. It appears that chelonians have risen out of the water and gone back twice and may have even gone back onto land yet again. They all seem to be transitional characters for some species that doesn’t seem to know where it wants to live.

Transitional mammals are described by Dawkins in TGSOE, pp. 343. If you enjoy learning about animals at all, this will be an enjoyable read.

Tiktaalik is an amazing creature. My section on this transitional form describes a transitional body plan that has a tail and fins like a fish with a flat snout similar to modern amphibians, provides a couple pictures and a link to a clip describing this industrious little fella.

See, pp. 351 Dawkins, TGSOE for a description of eyes that have devolved because they are no longer useful toward the survival of certain cave dwelling creatures. These in my view represent transitions. Again, to ward off the red herring of the ID “Loss of Function” theory, I refer the reader to Darwin/Wallace Prediction. This transition could be considered a path toward disunctionality. However, it’s simply an example that shows how organisms that used to rely on sight can adapt toward new functions that become more useful in dark environments such, smell, hearing and touch.

TGSOE, pp. 176 discusses the composite eye of the Bathylychnops. It has an eye looking straight down grafted onto a normal forward looking eye. It woul be impossible to cite “loss of function” on this baby.

Darwinius masillae is a very exciting species transitional between Lemur and monkeys, briefly discussed in pp. 180.

Continue for a discussion on Chicken Teeth. Casey takes this discussion far away my original question. However, I am talking to him to get the best response on ID I can. So, I have to deal with his SPAM and red herrings. It is fascinating that the appearance of teeth in chickens causes this ID enthusiast to perform intellectual backflips.

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