Scadding, S. R., "Do ‘Vestigial Organs’ Provide Evidence for Evolution?" Evolutionary Theory, vol. 5 (May 1981), pp. 173-176. Scadding was in the Zoology Department, at the University of Guelph.
p. 173
"Abstract. An analysis of the difficulties in unambiguously
identifying functionless structures and an analysis of the nature of the
argument, leads to the conclusion that ‘vestigial organs’ provide no
evidence for evolutionary theory."
p. 174
"Haeckel makes clear why this line of argument was of such importance to
early evolutionary biologists…. It seemed difficult to explain functionless
structures on the basis of special creation without imputing some lack of skill
in design to the Creator…. It should be noted, however, that presented in this
way, the vestigial organ argument is essentially a theological rather than a
scientific argument, since it is based on the supposed nature of the Creator."
"It is apparent that the discussion of vestigial organs in many biology textbooks owes more to Wiedersheim than to Darwin…. He provides a list of eighty-six vestigial organs, as well as many others that he considers to be retrogressive."
p. 175
"As our knowledge has increased the list of vestigial structures has
decreased. Wiedersheim could list about 100 in humans, recent authors usually
list four or five. Even the current short list of vestigial structures in
humans is questionable…. Anatomically, the appendix shows evidence of a
lymphoid function….
"The coccyx serves as a point of insertion for several muscles and ligaments including the gluteus maximus…. The semilunar fold of the eye … aids in the cleansing and lubrication of the eyeball." [Emphasis added]
by Jim Pamplin
A bit of research inspired by Episode IV of the PBS miniseries, Voyages of the Mimi.
Questions or comments? Please email jim@darwinisdead.com .
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A CONTINUAL WORK IN PROGRESS