Friday, August 15, 2008

Evidence for ID?

Of course not. But I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the ID crowd used this study, interpreted the data to fit their dogma, and declared it irrefutable evidence for intelligent design.

Picture credit

Apparently, a study done by the French physicist Dominic Vella, concluded that the legs of water striders (the little animals with long legs that walk on water) are just the right length. If they would be any shorter, the animal would not be able to utilize the surface tension of the water well enough and would sink, if they were any longer, the legs would bend and cause excessive drag. Water striders legs are exactly right. Needless to say that some higher power designed them just so. [end of sarcasm]

Contrary to conclusions I expect to be drawn by the ID crowd, Vella concludes that evolution has tested the limits of the leg length and stumbled upon the perfect balance.

Zelkowitz, R. (2008) Water striders put best foot forward. ScienceNow Daily News. 8 August, 2008.

No comments: