> Ed Brayton: Ron, what theory other than evolution provides a coherent explanation for > the order of appearance of fauna on the earth? Is it just a
> coincidence that the first animals to appear on earth were single-celled
> creatures? Is it just a coincidence that the first amphibians to appear
> on earth look the most like fish and they become progressively less
> fish-like in order of appearance in more recent strata? That pattern is
> repeated in every group, by the way. The first reptiles to appear are
> the most amphibian like and they become increasingly different as you go
> along; the first mammals are the most reptile like, and they become
> increasingly different as you go along. What other explanation is there
> for such perfect faunal succession?
D Howes: Rising flood waters.
So the fish drowned first ? That does not sound very logical. Why all are modern fishes found in higher strata. Why are whales and dolphins found at higher levels, while marine reptiles of similar size are found at lwer levels ? Why does the sloth and other 'slow' animals appear in the high deposits whle much more agile mammals appear much lower. And as Philip Kitcher showed in "Abusing science: THe case against creationism", the questions could go on and on.