Recent research suggests Fijian iguanas reached Fiji by rafting and possibly island hopping. This correlates with creationist theories about species dispersal after Noah’s flood, opposing the evolutionary timeline of millions of years.
Iguanas are predominantly found in the Americas, but the existence of four species in Fiji presents an evolutionary mystery. Recent research suggests that Fijian iguanas may have reached the islands via drifting on vegetation mats, alongside potential ‘island hopping’. Researchers’ findings resonate with creationist perspectives that have posited similar mechanisms for years, although previously dismissed by secular critics.
Post-flood theories propose that after Noah’s Ark landed in Ararat, various creatures could have traversed the globe by raft, utilizing floating debris from the ocean. For years, the post-flood ocean would have contained vegetation and organisms that could travel great distances on these natural rafts. Some species may have also used submerged islands to migrate or were transported by human activity during their dispersal.
Iguanas, as a created kind, possess genetic diversity enabling adaptation to diverse environments. This diversity allows species to thrive in varied ecological niches, such as marine iguanas in the Galápagos and green iguanas in tropical climates. Although supporting the theory that iguanas rafted to Fiji, this perspective diverges from the timeline proposed by evolutionary science, indicating that such a journey occurred following the biblical account of Noah’s flood approximately 4,350 years ago.
This topic was covered in the latest episode of Answers News, a program designed to offer current events commentary from a biblical perspective, hosted by Dr. Tim Chaffey, Patricia Engler, and Avery Foley. Each week, the show airs live on YouTube and is available thereafter on Answers TV, tackling science and cultural news through a Christian lens.
In conclusion, the migration of iguanas to Fiji remains an intriguing topic, intertwining scientific and creationist perspectives. While new genetic studies suggest potential rafting and island-hopping mechanisms for their arrival, these theories align with creationist assertions about the dispersal of species. Nevertheless, a fundamental difference exists regarding the timeline of these events, emphasizing a creationist viewpoint anchored in a recent global flood narrative.
Original Source: answersingenesis.org
