_p120_face_shells_of_Paludina_after_Neumayr.png)
Shells of Paludina (after Neumayr).
A graduated series of forms showing one of the strongest evidences for evolution. These changes certainly show one of two things: either each change constitutes an independent separate act of special creation, or one form gradually alters and merges into another.
Is it more reasonable to think the forms would have been created to look as if they were related—as if one were the slightly altered offspring of another; as if they were a connected series—or that such a complete sequence can only mean relationship; that similarity of structure implies a common origin?
“The essence of evolution is unbroken sequence.” Editor.
The extremes (I, IX) would constitute separate species were the means (II–X) not living contemporaneously.
“The idea of evolution leaps to the eye when we look at a series like this.”
J. Arthur Thomson.
