AboutDana Krempels Expertise I can answer questions about evolutionary mechanisms and theory, including genetic drift, mutation, natural selection, etc. I also can clear up misconceptions about evolution as it's sometimes talked about by those not well-versed in the subject (e.g., some politicians and many religious fundamentalists).
Experience I have a Ph.D. in Biology, and presently teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Genetics, Botany, and Zoology at the University of Miami.
Organizations House Rabbit Society
Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
Expert: Dana Krempels Date: 7/24/2008 Subject: Hackel
Question Hi,
You said that Ernst Hackel had fantastic drawings. Actually his fake drawings were proven wrong more than 100 years ago. My question is this: Why then do you call this science? The human embryo does not have gill slits. It is criminal to say such a thing. Those folds of skin are not gills but they later develop into bones around the ear. Ernst Hackel was a liar.
Answer Amir,
At this point, you are just making me shake my head and laugh. How can a drawing be "proven wrong?" And by whom? (Hint: These are rhetorical questions, and I do NOT want you to try and answer them.)
Why on earth are you writing to me? Why on earth do you care what *I* think, since you so obviously have made up your mind? I really don't care what you believe, as it is your privilege to believe in the tooth fairy, if you so desire. But don't expect educated adults to believe you just because you stamp your feet and throw a verbal tantrum.
The human embryo, like all vertebrate embryos, has what *would* become gill slits if the human had not evolved in a different direction. The same structures that become gill arches in a fish become ear bones in a mammal, but those structures were derived from a common ancestor.
I don't really care whether you believe it or not. It's simply a fact, as surely as the sun rises and sets.
But then again, perhaps you believe that the sun is a big ball on a string held by some kind of Creator Person? If so, then it is your right to believe this, and I won't try to convince you otherwise.
But please extend me the same courtesy, and don't write to me with your creationist tantrums. Share your views with people who are of like mind. Because you aren't going to change mine. You are wasting your time, and I really don't understand why you care what *I* think. Could it be because my doubt of your ideas shakes your own faith? If so, it's not very strong faith, is it?
When religion ruled the world, it was called The Dark Ages. Please close the door after you, so the rest of us can stay in the light.
