In "Missing links, still missing" (May 29, 2005), Joanna Fuchs asserts, "There is no scientific empirical evidence supporting macroevolution." That will come as a surprise to the vast majority of the Earth and life scientists in this country, virtually all of whom (99 percent) have carefully examined the evidence and come to the exact opposite conclusion. In fact, every reputable scientific organization in the world endorses the theory of evolution because it is the only scientific explanation for biodiversity that is consistent with all the evidence.

Macroevolution is supported by numerous lines of evidence including phylogenetics, transitional forms in the fossil record, anatomical and molecular vestiges and atavisms, developmental embryology, biogeography, anatomical and molecular homologies and molecular genetics. For a comprehensive discussion of these and other lines of evidence that substantiate macroevolution, search the Web for the article "29-plus Evidences for Macroevolution."

Ms. Fuchs incorrectly conflates the emergence of the first living cell with biological evolution. While the development of the first live replicator(s) is the subject of ongoing research, it is not a phenomenon that the theory of evolution addresses. The theory of evolution is concerned only with the development of subsequent life forms on Earth after appearance of the first self-replicating entity.

JACK DeBAUN

Sandpoint