Macro-evolution and Micro-evolution Distinguished

​Evolution is a key principle in mainstream science and was introduced most notably by British naturalist Charles Darwin. Those creationists who believe in the young earth have opposed most of the principles of evolutionary theory. However, some parts of the theory of evolution are accepted by creationists, particularly what is called micro-evolution. Micro-evolution is the small-scale changes that occur in living things over relatively short time periods of hundreds or thousands of years as a result of mutations and combinations as reproduction occurs. Creationists recognize the small scale changes in species that produce slight varieties, such as the many breeds of dogs, wolves, and coyotes. Macro-evolution, however, refers to the proposed large-scale changes in species that involve the emergence of new species and kinds of living things over long periods of time in the millions and billions of years. This time frame of billions of years is essential to the acceptance of macro-evolution, since few would believe it within a 6,000 year time scale. Evolutionists lump both micro-evolution and macro-evolution together as one doctrine while claiming that creationists do not accept evolution and therefore science itself. However, creationists do accept the small scale changes that can be observed on earth within hundreds or thousands of years. Evolutionists claim that "if only there was enough time" these large scale changes could occur from single-cell organisms to man. The creationist model has given evidence, however, that these large amounts of time simply do not exist.