Michael Behe's False Challenge to Evolution

Statement

Cover of Darwin's Black Box Dr. Michael Behe is a biochemical scientist. In his book Darwin's Black Box, he claims that biological microorganisms are "irreducibly complex." This means that their interdependent parts are supposedly so intricate that if they are missing any of their parts, that would break down the whole thing, so they allegedly could not have evolved, because supposedly evolution works in a step by step manner on individual parts of organisms. Behe is wrong. Organisms and their chemicals do not have to jump into existence in their full complexity in perfect working order in order to function, as in a mousetrap. "The multiple parts of complex, interlocking biological systems do not evolve as individual parts, despite Behe's claim that they must. They evolve together, as systems that are gradually expanded, enlarged, and adapted into new purposes." (Miller 1997). Organisms can gradually build up into things with interconnected parts whose functions change over time, from an original simple one into a complex connected one. Organisms evolve in a step by step fashion all together, with changes taking thousands of years followed by millions of years of sameness. The end product looks intricate, but it gradually grew that way, it didn't have to be created like that. Parts change their function over time. They work at another function before they come to their present use. For example, it may seem unlikely that the bones of the inner ear could have evolved from scratch, and they didn't. Originally, they served as parts of sliding jaw joints, which were sensitive to sound waves, and were by natural selection developed into the ear. So, the complex parts in microorganisms Behe speaks of had other functions beforehand, and gradually grew into their present function.

He may quote great odds against something turning out that way, but it doesn't matter; any other configuration of molecules would be just as unlikely. No matter the outcome, it's still a billion to one against it however it turns out. His odds assume all configurations have an equal change of occurring. They don't. Natural and sexual selection cut down the odds against complexity occurring; by culling out the unsuccessful configurations and keeping the successful ones, which build success upon themselves. "Natural selection can act on these evolving systems at every step of their transformation." (Miller 1997)

Sources

Intelligent Design - Skeptic's Dictionary. Has links to a number of sites that refute Behe.
Kenneth R. Miller's review of "Darwin's Black Box"
Gross, Paul R., "The Dissent of Man", Wall Street Journal, July 30, 1996
McNeil, Douglas F., "Fossilized Ideas Get Fossil Names", Wall Street Journal, August 30, 1996
Miller, Kenneth R., Book Reviews of Darwin's Black Box, Creation/Evolution 16 (2) 36-40