Living Fossils
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Living Fossils
Understanding Living Fossils
The concept of "living fossils" often comes up in discussions about the earth’s age, particularly among young earth creationists. A living fossil refers to an organism that was believed to be extinct but is found alive today.
Claims by Young Earth Creationists
Young earth creationists suggest that living fossils support the idea of a young earth. They argue that since all organisms were alive before the great flood about 4,300 years ago, according to their beliefs, it’s reasonable to assume these organisms could still be alive today.
Famous Examples
One of the most well-known living fossils is the coelacanth, a fish presumed extinct 65 million years ago until it was discovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. Since then, several more have been captured and studied. Other examples are also cited by organizations such as Answers in Genesis.
Determining a Fossil's Life Span
The life span of a fossilized organism is determined by examining the oldest and youngest known specimens. For example, if a dinosaur species has its oldest fossil dated to 140 million years ago and the youngest to 90 million years ago, it’s considered to have lived during that period. Discoveries of new fossils can extend these time frames, leading scientists to adjust the known history of the organism.
Scientific Adjustments
When a fossil species is found alive, as with the coelacanth, its known lifespan is simply extended. This does not imply a young earth. For instance, the lifespan of the coelacanth now stretches from 400 million years ago to the present.
The Broader Evidence
Even if living examples of a dinosaur were found today, scientists would only update its timeline to reflect ongoing existence, from 140 million years ago to now. This would not cause a reevaluation of the earth’s age, as abundant evidence suggests it is much older than 6,000 years. The presence of millions of extinct species alongside a few living fossils supports the concept of an ancient earth.
Conclusion
While young earth creationists may highlight living fossils as evidence for a young earth, these instances are exceptions rather than the rule. The vast majority of species remain extinct, supporting the scientific consensus of an old earth. The discovery of a living fossil merely updates its timeline without altering the broader understanding of earth’s history.
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