Difference between revisions of "Missing link"
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"Missing link" is the term used to indicate a hypothesized missing stage in the [[Theory of evolution|evolution]] of a species. The theory of evolution by natural selection claims that each species has evolved from another in a step-by-step manner. Therefore, a continuous record of transitional forms should exist from the earlier form to the current form, each almost indistinguishable from those immediately before and after. Where such a transitional form is absent, it is referred to colloquially as a "missing link". | "Missing link" is the term used to indicate a hypothesized missing stage in the [[Theory of evolution|evolution]] of a species. The theory of evolution by natural selection claims that each species has evolved from another in a step-by-step manner. Therefore, a continuous record of transitional forms should exist from the earlier form to the current form, each almost indistinguishable from those immediately before and after. Where such a transitional form is absent, it is referred to colloquially as a "missing link". | ||
| − | Many evolutionists consider the challenge to find missing links to be a Catch-22. This is because each missing link that is found creates two more new missing links. Thus the challenge can never be satisfied. | + | Many evolutionists consider the challenge to find missing links to be a Catch-22. This is because each missing link that is found creates two more new missing links. Thus the challenge can never be satisfied. This speaks for the inquisitive and never-ending nature of the scientific method. |
Revision as of 18:26, May 10, 2007
"Missing link" is the term used to indicate a hypothesized missing stage in the evolution of a species. The theory of evolution by natural selection claims that each species has evolved from another in a step-by-step manner. Therefore, a continuous record of transitional forms should exist from the earlier form to the current form, each almost indistinguishable from those immediately before and after. Where such a transitional form is absent, it is referred to colloquially as a "missing link".
Many evolutionists consider the challenge to find missing links to be a Catch-22. This is because each missing link that is found creates two more new missing links. Thus the challenge can never be satisfied. This speaks for the inquisitive and never-ending nature of the scientific method.