Biochemists assume that the three cellular kingdoms evolved from a single common ancestor, because the alternative of supposing an independent origin of life two or more times presents still greater difficulties. The common ancestor is merely hypothetical, as are the numerous transitional intermediate forms that would have to connect such enormously different groups to the ancestor. From a Darwinist viewpoint all these hypothetical creatures are a logical necessity, but there is no empirical confirmation that they existed. Phillip E. Johnson
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Charles Darwin’s great achievement was to show how life on earth came from a common ancestor. In the process he ushered in the modern era of evolutionary biology. Yet, there is no evidence that Darwin had any direct contact with Mendel, Koch or any other of his scientific contemporaries. Nor is there any evidence that Darwin had ever read a single word of Mendel’s work, or even that he knew about it.

This absence of evidence is consistent with the fact that the theory of evolution by natural selection did not feature in Darwin’s published works until 1859. It also explains why there is no evidence for Darwin’s theory in the fossil record. In short, the mechanism of evolution by natural selection was not formulated until after Darwin’s death and did not become a central focus for him until 1859.

Source: Darwin On Trial

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