Do you understand the Theory of Evolution?

[McCulloch]

Suppose that a species of woodpecker with a one inch beak was introduced to an isolated island where its primary food source lived one and a half inches below the surface of the trees. For this species of woodpecker, there would be a significant advantage to have a longer beak in this environment.

Anyone who cannot answer this question correctly, does not understand how the theory of evolution works and to my mind is not qualified contribute intelligently to debate on the subject. This applies equally to those who agree and to those who disagree with the theory of evolution.

[Braveheart]

Suppose that a species of woodpecker with a one inch beak was introduced to an isolated island where its primary food source lived one and a half inches below the surface of the trees. For this species of woodpecker, there would be a significant advantage to have a longer beak in this environment.

Anyone who cannot answer this question correctly, does not understand how the theory of evolution works and to my mind is not qualified contribute intelligently to debate on the subject. This applies equally to those who agree and to those who disagree with the theory of evolution.

My theory is that they either build up their beak muscles or start diggin' graves.

[McCulloch]

My theory is that they either build up their beak muscles or start diggin' graves.

The question is not about your theory. According to the theory of evolution, what is the answer?

[Nilloc James]

Their beaks will be whatever their genes for beak length dictate, influenced by the enviroment (if they can grow to full potential), barring any mutation?

[nygreenguy]

I find it difficult to answer on many grounds. Are we talking about the first generation?

[Nilloc James]

I find it difficult to answer on many grounds. Are we talking about the first generation?

Are there multiple genes controlling beak length?

Are they dominate/reccessive or incompletely dominant?

The question is hard to answer, and I've studied evolution....

[lastcallhall]

Suppose that a species of woodpecker with a one inch beak was introduced to an isolated island where its primary food source lived one and a half inches below the surface of the trees. For this species of woodpecker, there would be a significant advantage to have a longer beak in this environment.

Anyone who cannot answer this question correctly, does not understand how the theory of evolution works and to my mind is not qualified contribute intelligently to debate on the subject. This applies equally to those who agree and to those who disagree with the theory of evolution.

Here I am as promised to hear the theory of evolution. I want to hear the arguments for it without debating because honestly without the Bible I could not really debate this subject so here I am to learn. Thanks in advance to those who take the time to teach me.

[McCulloch]

I find it difficult to answer on many grounds. Are we talking about the first generation?

Yes. Offspring was meant to mean the first generation offspring of the original birds. With that caveat, this is not a difficult to answer question.

[McCulloch]

There are numerous places where one can learn about the theory of evolution. This thread is not one of them. This thread asks a simple multiple choice question with regard to the theory of evolution. Anyone who cannot answer this question about the theory of evolution predicts about the first generation of birds in this example, cannot claim to understand the theory. If you don't understand the theory, you might be advised to first read up on it before attempting to debate it. It has been my experience that many creationists when attempting to argue against evolution are in fact arguing against a false straw-man version of evolution presented to them by their church leaders, who should have had more honesty and integrity than to grossly misrepresent what evolution is.

Spoiler Alert: I'm not going to post the answer. It is not a trick question.

[Nilloc James]

Would it not be Mendellian Genetics predicting what the off-spring look like. Evolution predicting that the longer beaks have a greater chance of reproductive success?