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In this new study, scientists analyzed the wing action and aerodynamics
of a type of butterfly called the silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia). The
data for these analyses was obtained by the high-speed filming of butterflies
during take-off and flight in a specialized wind tunnel. The results of the
research were startling. Other free-flying creatures, including other types of
insects, lack the unique type of mechanism observed, so the wing design of the
butterfly was totally unexpected. When they compared their butterfly data to
that of insects with more rigid wings, the researchers were able to demonstrate
an increase in forceful impulse of more than 22% combined with an increase in
overall efficiency of more than 28%. One must also consider that this boost in
power and efficiency would also likely contribute to overall resilience. However,
as is the norm in secular research publications, no credit or glory was given
to our mighty Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose handiwork was clearly revealed.
BY JEFFREY P. TOMKINS, PH.D.
The takeoff and flight of
butterflies has long been derided by evolutionists as being an unstable and inefficient
product of evolution.
However, a new study has
shown that the spectacular complexity and efficiency of butterfly wing design
is an optimized system worthy of emulating in a new generation of flying
robotic drones.
Butterflies fluttering around
a sunny garden grab our curiosity and fascinate us like no other creature.
In fact, butterflies look
like no other flying animal because they have such unusually broad and large
wings relative to their small body size.
Thus, secular scientists have
been mystified as to how this specific type of flight could have come about.
When evolutionary scientists
first began to study butterfly wings, they claimed that they utilized unsteady
aerodynamic mechanisms and that the upstroke of the wings, known as wing clap,
was a particularly inefficient feature.
In this new study, which was
considerably more high-tech than previous projects, scientists analyzed the
wing action and aerodynamics of a type of butterfly called the silver-washed
fritillary (Argynnis paphia).
They used a technique called
tomographic particle image velocimetry which measures the velocity of objects
in three dimensions.
They also applied a
mechanical analysis called kinematics which defines the motion of an object
without any reference to the forces which cause it.
The data for these analyses
was obtained by the high-speed filming of butterflies during take-off and
flight in a specialized wind tunnel.
The results of the research
were startling.
Other free-flying creatures,
including other types of insects, lack the unique type of mechanism observed,
so the wing design of the butterfly was totally unexpected.
During an upward stroke, the
optimized design of the flexible wings produces a specialized cavity that
creates an air-filled pocket.
As the wings continue to
compress, the air is forced out like a jet engine, propelling the butterfly
forward.
The downward wing stroke has
yet another purpose: stabilizing the flight pattern and keeping the butterfly
in the air.
Not only does this mechanism
allow for efficient flight, but it also allows for rapid takeoff when the
butterfly needs to escape a predator.
When they compared their
butterfly data to that of insects with more rigid wings, the researchers were
able to demonstrate an increase in forceful impulse of more than 22% combined
with an increase in overall efficiency of more than 28%.
One must also consider that
this boost in power and efficiency would also likely contribute to overall
resilience.
For example, the Monarch
butterfly makes a lengthy migration across North America where it has been
shown to fly 50 to 100 miles per day.
Needless to say, this
fabulous wing engineering was immediately scrutinized for its potential to
benefit mankind.
The authors of the paper stated, “Furthermore, our findings could aid the design of man-made flapping
drones, boosting propulsive performance.”
However, as is the norm in
secular research publications, no credit or glory was given to our mighty
Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose handiwork was clearly revealed.
As the Bible says, “For
since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and
Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they
did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their
thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Dr. Tomkins is Director of Research at the Institute for Creation Research and earned his doctorate in genetics from Clemson University.
The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) wants people to know that God’s Word can be trusted
in everything it speaks about—from how and why we were made, to how the
universe was formed, to how we can know God and receive all He has planned for
us.
After
50 years of ministry, ICR remains a leader in scientific research within the
context of biblical creation. Founded by Dr. Henry Morris in 1970, ICR exists
to conduct scientific research within the realms of origins and Earth history,
and then to educate the public both formally and informally through
professional training programs, through conferences and seminars around the
country, and through books, magazines, and media presentations.
https://www.icr.org/article/butterfly-wing-design-repudiates-evolution/
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