Genesis 1:24
“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.”

Scientists who believe in creation often point out that when we finally learn the genetics of a creature, that information doesn’t match its supposed evolutionary history. There are many examples of this, and a new example was reported in the scientific literature at the end of 1998.

Skeleton of a snapping turtleEvolutionary scientists had theorized that turtles were the last survivors of a very early group of creatures that later evolved into reptiles, birds and mammals. Their reasoning for this lies in the type of skull turtles have. Most reptiles and birds have two holes on each side of their skulls, behind their eyes. But turtles stand alone in having none of these holes. So they were classified as a separate evolutionary branch. But a comparison of the genetics of the turtle and other reptiles now places turtles among reptiles. They are not related to any supposed ancestor of reptiles, but rather are closest to alligators and birds. While some evolutionists are critical of this study, the study itself is the second that places turtles among the modern reptile family.

As more genetic information has become known in recent years, the relationships revealed have not generally been what evolutionists expected. And this is exactly what those who believe in the Creator would expect. So next time someone tries to tell you that belief in the Creator is ignorant and unscientific, just remember the turtle!

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, I thank You that true knowledge glorifies You. Help my life and witness glorify You as well. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
R. Monastersky, “Turtle genes upset reptilian family tree,” Science News, December 5, 1998, v. 154, p. 358. Photo: Skeleton of a snapping turtle in Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts.

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