In his landmark book, “Darwin’s Black Box“, Michael Behe introduced the notion of irreducible complexity as a challenge to neo-Darwinian theory:
“By irreducibly complex I mean a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning. ” [page 39]
Why is irreducible complexity a challenge to Darwinian theory?
In the “Origins of Species” Charles Darwin wrote:
“If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down.”
[Sixth Edition, New York University Press, page 154]
Irreducible complexity is a challenge to Darwinian theory because it shows that some biological structures cannot be built by “numerous, successive, slight modifications” as Darwin first proposed.
Flagellum image created by Discovery Media ProductionsA prime example of Michael Behe’s “irreducible complexity”
is the bacteria flagellum. With over 40 essential parts, the
flagellum is a rotary motor used to propel a bacteria in liquid.
Spinning at 17,000 rpms, the motor is acid driven, liquid cooled
and self-replicating.
Flagellum image created by Discovery Media Productions