Michael Shermer, one of the most important figures in intellectual American life, visited HotNews.ro on Wednesday to discuss with online readers about Darwin, evolution, and arguments against "intelligent design". Read here his answers to HotNews.ro readers.

Michael Shermer is the the editor of Skeptic Magazine. He's licensed in experimental psychology and doctor in Science History. He publishes weekly for Scientific American and is secondary professors at Claremont University.

Question no. 1

If the Darwin theory is true, why doesn't the evolution take place anymore? Why don't we see any undoubted proof that the evolution takes place in nature? Species are disappearing instead of evolving. Thanks

linbetwin

http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-misconceptions.html#observe

Evolution still occurs today as it always did, by small changes accumulating over millions of years. The fact that it's not fast enough for us to see dramatic changes doesn't mean it doesn't happen. We don't "see" mountains rising or continents moving, but we know they do. If evolution didn't happen, HIV would be dead by now, along with most viruses.

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Michael Shermer

I agree! Well put.

Michael Shermer

Evolution is still operating. Humans are still evolving. Genetic research now reveals that blue eyes and blond hair arose only around 6,000 years ago, in Northern Europe, as a result of a single point mutation that then spread because blue eyes and blond hair are genetically linked to lighter skin, which is an adaptation for absorbing Vitamin D from the sun. So, those with lighter skin were better adapted to northern climes, and they also happen to have blue eyes and blond hair. However, it should be noted that in Southern California, where I live, most of the people with