ThirstyFish

This is another photograph of a Pied-billed Grebe with a non-breeding plumage.

Grebes are not Ducks. Up until the mid-20th century, they were thought to be related to Loons. Recent DNA studies suggest that they are related to Flamingos. It has been suggested that the taxon Mirandornithes, "miraculous birds", be used to for the grebe-flamingo clade, to classify these two extremely divergent, but genetically related species.

Over 99% of all documented species are extinct. To date, a common ancestor of Flamingos and Grebes has not been found in the fossil record. Gaps in the fossil record such as this are used by creationists to disprove evolution, because evolution contradicts with the creation myths of their respective religions. Although many religions and religious denominations have reconciled their beliefs with evolution using concepts such as theistic evolution, almost half of Americans still do not believe that evolution is the best explanation for the origin of human life on earth.

Science and technology do not answer all the questions or problems of humanity. Far from it. On the other hand, it's mind-boggling that despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, people will cling onto certain beliefs and keep living in ignorance. Science does not yet have an answer to questions like "does God exist?", or "how did life begin?". It may never have an answer. But, those that unequivocally believe that the earth is approximately 6500 years old, or that evolution is just speculation, are clearly mistaken. Let facts reinforce beliefs rather than allow beliefs to distort facts. Do not fear the truth!

Song of the Day: It's a Kind of Magic - Queen (1986)