Reply #23: I agree it is considered a fact, as you say.

[Lerkfish]

and I also stated I think its a CORRECT theory. I'm just pointing out the basic difference between a theory and a fact. What you've done is explain how belief can change the perception of a theory into a considered fact.

Unless and until we invent a time machine, we can extrapolate what we know now and use it as a template to surmise past evolution based on the fossil record, but we cannot necessarily eliminate all variables that detract from the theory since we cannot direct OBSERVE past evolution in action.

We can NOW observe an apple, but we cannot NOW observe dinosaurs becoming extinct, for example. We can gather clues and come to some very good conclusions. But the litmus in proving a theory to be a fact requires observation and replicability under the same conditions, and we can't replicate the past conditions, so we are left with the impression past conditions have made in our environment in lieu of direct observation.