ABSTRACTS
Archaeological and Geological Evidence of a Recent and Rapid Sea-Level Rise from Sites Along Coastal Florida
BRIAN R. RUCKER AND CARL R. FROEDE JR.
Uniformitarians propose that the last major sea-level rise began with the close of the Wisconsin Ice Age 14,000 to 18,000 years ago. Approximately three to five thousand years ago sea level stabilized to its near-present-day level. According to uniformitarian archaeological estimates paleo- Indian cultures have existed in Florida for 10,000 years. Many paleo-Indian sites have been identified across the state with some found underwater, both on and offshore. Large offshore submerged sand dune fields are believed to have become drowned with the last rise in sea level. Many of these same subaqueous sand dune fields contain in situ tree stumps within the swales, reflecting once living maritime forests. These former forests existed on the continental shelf at various sea-level lowstands during the Pleistocene. We propose that the now submerged paleo-Indian sites, sand dune fields, and paleo-forests reflect former subaerial environments that were rapidly drowned with the last sea-level rise approximately three to six thousand years ago (associated with the close of the Young-Earth Flood Model–Ice Age Timeframe).
Dental variability in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) Implications for the Variability of Primates
CELEDONIO GARCÍA-POZUELO-RAMOS
The dentition of a sample of Canis familiaris, the domestic dog, has been statistically analyzed using methods that have been employed by other workers to determine variability in other species. The results presented here suggest that the dog sample includes several species. If the domestic dog were extinct and we did not know all that we do about its progressive variation in historical times, we would probably view it as a group of species. Our knowledge about dog dentition may therefore be useful in determining the boundaries of other holobaramins (created kinds). My results obtained from dog teeth suggest that the extinct Australopithecines and Homo habilis (which I have also analyzed here) manifest a variability in the first and second molar that is less than the variability found in dog molars. By these standards, therefore, the Australopithecines and H. habilis can be included as part of one and the same holobaramin. Several Homo erectus fossils of diverse origin have likewise been subjected to similar analysis of variability. The H. erectus results do not support the division of H. erectus fossils into two or more different species but are compatible with the belief that they are all part of one species. It has been possible here to use the variability in the dentition of a living monobaramin (the domestic dog), to show that the Australopithecines and H. habilis should be lumped into one kind and that a Homo erectus is in a holobaramin distinct from them. I intend to carry this analysis of dentition further to study the affinities between the extinct Homo erectus kind and living Homo sapiens. Whether these two groups would appear distinct or united by this method remains to be determined. The degree of variability in domestic dog dentition (a living monobaramin) can thus become an important tool for creationists in assessing the limits of extinct kinds.
Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics–A Case of Un-Natural Selection
ERIC PENROSE
Although the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is frequently described as classical Darwinian natural selection in progress, a closer examination reveals no such example. This evaluation is based on a consideration of the basic tenets of "natural selection" in light of our current understanding of the development and spread of resistance mechanisms.
Bridging the Artificial Dichotomy Between the Putative "Physical" and "Metaphysical" Realities
JERRY BERGMAN
A pervasive tendency now exists for scientists and writers to radically dichotomize the so-called "metaphysical" and "physical" realities. This position is a form of dualism and is not only artificial but is forced upon the real world and probably distorts our perception of reality. No compelling reason or logic requires the universe to exist as sharply divided "physical" and "metaphysical" realities. The source of this division can be traced to ancient Greek speculation and has become an assumption that is now a firm part of our intellectual tradition. Orthodox science’s rigid acceptance of the monist position, which argues that only matter exists, is actually a derivative of dualism: the dichotomy is accepted but the reality of one side of it is rejected. This dualism has resulted in the design view of reality being labeled metaphysical, then rejected as outside of science. In contrast, naturalism is called physical, and therefore within the realm of science. The view of the over 10,000 American scientists who accept the creation world view, including the belief that God created Adam and Eve less than 10,000 years ago, should be considered.