The phrase “Darwin’s dilemma” refers to Charles Darwin’s perplexity over the physical evidence that contradicted his theory of evolution.
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.
Darwin’s Dilemma is a subcategory of the Fossil Record.
More
Click on “Dating Fossils” for an overview of the challenges with radiometric dating processes.
Click “Fossil Record by the Decade” for an outline of what scientists discovered in the fossil record by the decade.
Darwin Then and Now is an educational resource on the intersection of evolution and science and the challenges facing the theory of evolution.
Move On
Explore how to understand twenty-first-century concepts of evolution further using the following links –
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- The Understanding Evolution category showcases how varying historical study approaches to evolution have led to varying conclusions. Subcategories include –
- Studying Evolution explains how key evolution terms and concepts have changed since the 1958 publication of The Origin of Species.
- What is Science explains Charles Darwin’s approach to science and how modern science approaches can be applied for different investigative purposes.
- Evolution and Science feature study articles on how scientific evidence influences the current understanding of evolution.
- Theory and Consensus feature articles on the historical timelines of the theory and Natural Selection.
- The Biography of Charles Darwin category showcases relevant aspects of his life.
- The Glossary defines terms used in studying the theory of biological evolution.
- The Understanding Evolution category showcases how varying historical study approaches to evolution have led to varying conclusions. Subcategories include –
