“Darwin’s dilemma” refers to Charles Darwin’s bafflement that the fossil record contradicted what his theory of evolution predicted.
Fossil Record
Darwin’s fossil record dilemma began with his argument that evolution progresses from the simple to complex, predicting that simple forms should be lower in the fossil record layers with increasing incremental complexity in the higher levels as evolution advanced –
“It is indisputable that before the lowest Cambrian stratum was deposited… the world swarmed with living creatures.”
Darwin, however, knew that the fossil record evidence did not demonstrate this pattern; the lowest layers included distinct species creating “Darwin’s dilemma.” Darwin explained –
“Species belonging to several of the main divisions of the animal kingdom suddenly appear in the lowest known fossiliferous rocks.”
Distinct species appear suddenly in the fossil record from the beginning without any trace of gradual, incremental transitional steps as inconsistently predicted by Darwin. This problem, Darwin acknowledge, should invalidate his theory –
“To the question why we do not find rich fossiliferous deposits belonging to these assumed earliest periods prior to the Cambrian system, I can give no satisfactory answer… The case at present must remain inexplicable, and may be truly urged as a valid argument against the views here entertained.”
A geological column from simple to complex exists only in biology textbooks. Evidence from the fossil record only points to the sudden appearance of complex distinct species. “Earlier forms” do not exist.
Beyond the Fossil Record
The simple to complex problem has extended from the fossil record and into every scientific discipline, Since the publication of The Origin of Species, including anatomy, morphology, physiology, molecular biology, and genetics.
While new biotechnologies allow exploration of nature’s minutiae secrets, finding evidence of life progressing incrementally from simple to complex remains beyond the reach of science: evolution, a theory still looking for validating scientific evidence.
Refer to the Glossary for the definition of terms and to Understanding Evolution to gain insights into understanding evolution.
