The Rapidly Unraveling Thread between DNA and "Human Evolution" | The Institute for Creation Research

 
The Rapidly Unraveling Thread between DNA and "Human Evolution"

Christian students in secular schools have been unnecessarily troubled by evidence from DNA (genetic material found in the nucleus of virtually all cells) that allegedly shows chimpanzees to be our close evolutionary cousins. We are told that over 98% of human and chimpanzee DNA is the same, and this gives credence to an unknown common ancestor for the two groups. But since people and chimpanzees eat the same food, breathe the same air, and drink the same water, wouldn't much of their DNA be the same?

As is always the case there's scientific evidence to this evolutionary story that is not being told, "Molecular phylogenetics [tracing `human evolution' using DNA and/or protein] has provided new insights into human evolution, but many of its findings and interpretations have been vigorously challenged. The controversy surrounding molecular phylogenetics is now so heated that the field cannot be discussed without also considering the controversy surrounding it."1

"If molecular data [such as comparing DNA] have provoked strong reactions among researchers interested in the evolution of whales, that is nothing compared to the hornet's nest stirred up among palaeoanthropologists [those who study `human evolution']"2

No wonder evolutionist James Trefil states, "I am skeptical of arguments, like those of the molecular biologists, based on long strings of theoretical assumptions."3

Many evolutionists are unaware that, "There is less variation between the DNA of two human beings from opposite ends of the earth than there is between the DNA of two gorillas from the same African rain forest."4 This statement is supported by recent research, "The extent of DNA sequence variation of chimpanzees is several-fold greater than that of humans."5 How do these facts support our alleged ape ancestry? Shouldn't our DNA sequence variation be as plastic as the rest of our "ancestors"?

Perhaps the most important thing we can say regarding this evidence is how much scientists still don't know about DNA and its supposed evolutionary connections. Recent research shows just 2.5% of DNA is different between people and mice, and only 1% different from a chimpanzee.6 A UK chief scientist said, "We share half our genes [DNA] with the banana."7 This convoluted field of molecular evolutionary biology is obviously becoming more puzzling--??not less--??and secularists would do well to say nothing regarding supposed evolutionary relationships until all facts are in.

References

1. Long, J.C., "Human molecular phylogenetics" Annual Review of Anthropology 22:251-272, 1993.
2. Gura, T. "Bones, molecules . . . or both?" Nature, v. 406, July 20, 2000, p. 231.
3. Trefil, 101 Things you don't know about science. Mariner Books, 1996, p. 269.
4. Trefil, p. 270.
5. Nature Genetics, February 2001, p. 155.
6. Mural, R.J., et al., Science, v. 296, May 31, 2002, p. 1661.
7. May, R., Quoted in Coglan & Boyce, New Scientist 167 (July 1):5, 2000

Cite this article: Frank Sherwin, D.Sc. (Hon.). 2002. The Rapidly Unraveling Thread between DNA and "Human Evolution". Acts & Facts. 31 (10).

The Latest
CREATION PODCAST
Defending the Faith with a Rocket Scientist | Creation.Live Podcast:...
How do engineering principles, biological complexity, and a solid understanding of apologetics work together to further the cause of Christ? Why...

NEWS
Aerobic and Anaerobic Hot Spring Bacteria
God designed a domain of prokaryotes called Archaea that thrive in harsh and extreme environments. In 1969, two microbiologists, Thomas Brock and Hudson...

CREATION PODCAST
The Soulless Hominid Theory: A Fatal Flaw in Old Earth Creationism...
Welcome to the second episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit...

NEWS
Humpback Whale Calls Echo Creation
There is nothing simple about the system of communication called language, whether animal or human.1 Human language is a very sophisticated...

NEWS
Mary Parker, Creation Ministry Partner of Dr. Gary Parker, Is...
Mary Parker, the wife and co-laborer of Dr. Gary Parker, went home to be with her Lord on March 20, 2025. Dr. Parker was a popular and effective...

NEWS
Plants Rely on Quantum Mechanics
Scientists will probably never fully understand photosynthesis as additional research uncovers even more fascinating mysteries.1,2 ICR’s...

NEWS
Martian Polar Ice Cap ''Surprisingly Young''?
A team of German planetary scientists has concluded that a three-kilometer-thick northern polar ice cap on Mars has a “surprisingly young”...

NEWS
''Blood Worm Moon'' Total Lunar Eclipse 2025
Barring cloud cover, about 75% of the country saw the total lunar eclipse, aka the “Blood Worm Moon.” Texas had good weather conditions...

NEWS
Jupiter: The Mighty Guardian of Earth
NASA’s Juno spacecraft recently unveiled breathtaking images of Jupiter during its 66th flyby of the colossal planet. Juno has been exploring...

CREATION PODCAST
Glacial Archives: Mysteries Hidden Beneath the Ice | The Creation...
Welcome to the first episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit old earth...