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A scientific or logical theory cannot permit any counterexamples. Therefore, the [[theory of evolution|theory of evolution by natural selection acting upon random mutation]] must be able to explain the origins of all things in terms of a purely mechanistic view. Although natural selection itself is very well-supported by evidence and non-controversial, the ability of random mutations to generate all the new information that evolution requires has never been demonstrated.  

A scientific or logical theory cannot permit any counterexamples. Therefore, the [[theory of evolution|theory of evolution by natural selection acting upon random mutation]] must be able to explain the origins of all things in terms of a purely mechanistic view. Although natural selection and common descent are both very well-supported by evidence, the ability of random mutations to generate higher levels of complexity remains in doubt.  

The following are some counterexamples to the abilities of random mutation.  If just one cannot be explained by the idea, then logically the theory of evolution as it is must be inadequate.

The following are some counterexamples to the abilities of random mutation.  If just one cannot be explained by the idea, then logically the theory of evolution as it is must be inadequate.

* Many cases of beauty, such as the [[peacock|peacock's]] tail<ref>The peacock's tail used to be considered an example of [[sexual selection]], but a study has shown that this is not the case.&mdash;Catchpoole, David, [http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/5714/ Peacock tail tale failure] 6th June 2008 (Creation Ministries International)</ref> or the staggering array of beautiful marine fish, lack any plausible evolutionary explanation.

* Many cases of beauty, such as the staggering array of beautiful marine fish, lack any plausible evolutionary explanation.

* the [[immune system]] is irreducibly complex, as without one which is thoroughly developed, an organism would not be able to resist any infection<ref>Behe, Michael J. 1996. ''Darwin's Black Box'', New York: The Free Press, pp. 117-139.</ref><ref>[http://biology.creighton.edu/courses/BIO432/Evolution%2005.htm]</ref>

* the [[immune system]] is irreducibly complex, as without one which is thoroughly developed, an organism would not be able to resist any infection<ref>Behe, Michael J. 1996. ''Darwin's Black Box'', New York: The Free Press, pp. 117-139.</ref><ref>[http://biology.creighton.edu/courses/BIO432/Evolution%2005.htm]</ref>

* [[Jellyfish]] in [[Hawaii]] swarm to the beaches roughly 9 to 10 days after each full [[moon]], for no apparent evolutionary reason<ref>http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/jelyfish.html</ref>

* [[Jellyfish]] in [[Hawaii]] swarm to the beaches roughly 9 to 10 days after each full [[moon]], for no apparent evolutionary reason<ref>http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/jelyfish.html</ref>

* the fact that [[cicada]]s appear like clockwork every 13 years for some species, and every 17 years for others<ref>http://inside.msj.edu/academics/faculty/kritskg/cicada/faq.html</ref>

* the fact that [[cicada]]s appear like clockwork every 13 years for some species, and every 17 years for others<ref>http://inside.msj.edu/academics/faculty/kritskg/cicada/faq.html</ref>

* the migrations of butterflies and birds, and the mechanisms which allow them to navigate.<ref>[[migration]]</ref>

* the migrations of butterflies and birds, and the mechanisms which allow them to navigate.<ref>[[migration]]</ref>

* The neck of the [[giraffe]].<ref>[http://www1.pacific.edu/~e-buhals/GIRAFFE2.htm]</ref>  

* The neck of the [[giraffe]]. Although the length of the neck can be explained by simple sexual selection, the presence of valves in the neck (which are necessary because of its great length) raises a question of how one could have arisen without the other being there first (see the irreducible complexity argument).<ref>[http://www1.pacific.edu/~e-buhals/GIRAFFE2.htm]</ref>  

* The enormous gaps and lack of intermediate species in the [[fossils|fossil]] record.

* The enormous gaps and lack of intermediate species in the [[fossils|fossil]] record.

* The development of feathers, which could not have conceivably "grown" from the scales of dinosaurs<ref>http://icb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/40/4/687.pdf</ref><ref>[http://palaeoblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/early-evolution-of-feathers.html]</ref>

* The development of feathers, which could not have conceivably "grown" from the scales of dinosaurs<ref>http://icb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/40/4/687.pdf</ref><ref>[http://palaeoblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/early-evolution-of-feathers.html]</ref>