>> I agree with Kevin. I would be convinced of evolution if plausible
>> naturalistic mechanisms could be found that would show how a jaw
>> with teeth became a beak with no teeth.
Let's break that into two separate items. I don't have any problem
thinking that unneeded teeth could degenerate and eventually disappear.
That would be consistent with the experiments that have been done which
show that chickens still have the genes for teeth, they're just not
expressed. Similarly, fossil platypuses have teeth, whereas modern ones
have them only in the embryo stages. I have seen creationists argue
that this is degeneration and could happen naturally, so the same
argument could equally well explain the loss of teeth in birds.
I assume that the major sticking point is the idea that a beak could
evolve. Before claiming that it is impossible, why not see what
scientists have to say about it? It may be that embryological studies
have already found plausible mechanisms for beak growth, just as they
have done for the development of jaws, and for the transition from a
reptilian to a mammalian jaw structure.
I can look this up, but I don't know when: I get to the university
library infrequently, and I have other things to do when I'm there.
Perhaps someone else with better access would care to do a little
research? If not, I will report back when and if I am able to find out
more.
-- Jim Foley Symbios Logic, Fort Collins, COJim.Foley@symbios.com (303) 223-5100 x9765 I've got a plan so cunning you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel. -- Edmund Blackadder