A basic argument used by creationists is that evolution is "only a theory and cannot be proven." This
creationist argument is based on the false assumption that the only way to "prove" evolution is for
someone to actually observe large evolutionary changes, for example birds evolving from dinosaurs.
Since this can't be accomplished in a few lifetimes, creationists claim that "proving" evolution is
impossible. This argument totally ignores the enormous amount of factual data that supports the
position that present life forms are descended from primitive ancestors. Whether evolution is true or
not depends on a careful and rational examination of the facts.
A fact is something that is supported by clear and incontrovertible evidence. For example, the Grand
Canyon cuts through layers of different kinds of rock, such as the Coconino sandstone, Hermit Shale,
and Redwall limestone. These rock layers often contain fossils, and when a layer contains fossils, they
are characteristic of that layer. Facts may be interpreted in different ways by different individuals, but
that doesn't change the facts themselves; they are incontrovertible.
Another fact is that fossil skulls have been found that are intermediate in appearance between
humans and modern apes. They have brow ridges that are larger than humans, but smaller than apes;
likewise their teeth and jaws are larger than humans, but smaller than modern apes.
Numerous fossils have been found that are clearly intermediate between dinosaurs and birds and run
the gamut from non-flying reptiles with feathers to birds that retain some reptilian characteristics, like
Persons may interpret the meaning of these fossils in different ways, but that doesn't alter the fact that
Facts stand alone; they are independent of whether a person accepts evolution or rejects evolution.
In the world of science there are easily a hundred thousand "facts" relating to biology, astron...