Thanks again kakariki,


We seem to have general agreement then that we have two processes (even though they may overlap) that occur in modern everyday biological life as we know it:

[color:"purple"]Biological Process #1 is the change in hereditary traits in populations from generation to generation.

Biological Process #2 is the division of a 'parent' species into two (or more) 'daughter' species.[/color]

We observe instances of these processes happening by various mechanisms as previously noted, and thus these are facts in today's world.

The question is whether this is what has happened in the past and whether anything else was involved. To test this we will form a theory:

[color:"blue"]Theory #1:
That each species known today can be traced backwards to parent species through historical, fossil or genetic records, while only involving (1) the change in hereditary traits in populations from generation to generation, and (2) the division of a 'parent' species into two (or more) 'daughter' species.[/color]

Stated simply: we posit that Process (1) and Process (2) are sufficient to explain the diversity of life today from the records of previous generations of species.

We start with today and work backwards, generation by generation, species by species (in theory). Where we do not have sufficiently complete information to show Process (1) and Process (2) are sufficient to explain the descent of daughter species from parent species, we will have to say that we don't know for sure.

This is essentially the creationist model, using (1) variation and adaptation, plus (2) speciation, to explain the diversity of life today back to the hypothetical biblical flood event and a point where we started with known kinds.

Enjoy.

[color:"green"]
Note: my time is limited, so I only choose threads of particular interest to me and I cannot guarantee a reply to all responses (particularly if they do not discuss the issue/s), and I expect other people to do the same. Thank you for your consideration.[/color]