Mutations and Adding Information

Something that Papa Darwin did not foresee was that mutations would be utilized to save his failing story of evolution, since natural selection did not cause the changes that he claimed. It has long been said by creationists (including this child) that mutations do not add information to the genome. That statement is insufficient.

Credit: Pixabay / Vicki Nunn

Some folks only know about mutations from stories, so if there is a radiation leak or a critter is mutated, it becomes something clunky or an improved human with great powers. Maybe even with the ability to shoot power bolts from the eyes. In fact, mutations are not quick. They take a mighty long time to accumulate, and they seldom help the organism.

When creationists say that mutations do not add information, several things are at play here. One of the most important parts is vocabulary. What do you mean, information? It is intangible and can be difficult to define. The word evolution needs to be carefully defined. Also, what does it mean to add information? Genetic information can be shuffled, cut, spliced, diced, and other information can be added in, but it is usually harmful. More specifically, though, mutations do not add useful information that would lead to Darwinian evolution.

Russell F. wrote to us with a question of whether mutations ever add genetic information. He is involved in street evangelism and is looking for an accurate and concise summary of the topic.

CMI’s Joel Tay explains,

Usually, I quote the inquiry, but this one is rather long. I hope you will read that, the explanation, and follow the links to the related articles that help pull the explanation and everything together. Ready? Great, you can saddle up and ride on over to "Do mutations add information? Is that Evolution?"