Multiple Distinct Laws — One Function
Numerous Disparate Yet Mutually Dependent Laws
There are many examples of distinct "laws" of physics and of nature that work together to fulfil a single purpose.
Many parts — one purpose!
How did evolution manage to coordinate these? In so many examples, too many to list fully, even if one part is missing, or fails to work properly, the overall function would not be fulfilled!
And if the function is missing, the fine balance of nature would be significantly affected with consequences ranging from a universe that is unable to provide a comfortable existence for its occupants, to one that is incapable of producing or supporting life at all.
These functions are depicted by the seemingly precarious "sphere towers" in the illustration above. The individual "spheres" happen to work together to provide complete and fully working vital functions (like the individual parts of a complicated mechanical timepiece) that are essential for the emergence and continuation of life in the universe.
How could a purposeless process coordinate these complex and distinct functions to satisfy the multiple requirements of a universe well suited for life?
A motor vehicle has many working parts, each fulfilling an essential role that contributes to the one required function — a vehicle for transport.
Below is a small selection of these functions, each illustrating the intricate interplay of multiple combined "laws." Every example corresponds to one of the "sphere towers" depicted in the illustration at the start of this article. The individual components — the "spheres" — represent laws, principles, or forces of nature that work in harmony to achieve the described functionality. This is akin to the numerous interconnected parts of a clock, which together accomplish the single purpose of accurate timekeeping.
The challenge is clear — or, perhaps more fittingly, the gauntlet has been thrown — for evolution to produce all of these functions without the use of intentional order or purposeful design. Also, the challenge extends to supporters of evolution to explain how these forces and principles happened to combine in their respective specific ways. (See also the discussion on 'independent yet contributory laws.')
Greenhouse Effect
Keeping Earth, Humans, and Animals Warm
The laws of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and the properties of atmospheric gases combine to contribute to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.
The Coriolis Effect
Atmospheric and Ocean Currents
This arises mainly from Earth's rotation, described by Newton's laws of motion, and on the principle of inertia (including quantum vacuum interactions), geographical latitude, and the law of conservation of angular momentum. This effect governs the circulation of atmospheric and oceanic currents.
Planetary Albedo
Regulating Earth's Temperature
The reflection of solar radiation by the Earth's surface and atmosphere, determined by the laws of optical physics (which, in turn, are determined by laws belonging to particle physics and quantum mechanics), play a key role in regulating temperature.
Plate Tectonics
Maintaining Earth's Climate
This involves geological processes powered by Earth's internal heat (derived, in turn, from radioactive decay). It helps recycle carbon through the Earth's crust and atmosphere, maintaining long-term climate stability.
Quantum Tunnelling
Keeping Stars Stable
Within the high-pressure core of a star, protons (positively charged hydrogen nuclei) repel each other due to Coulomb forces (from electromagnetism). However, quantum mechanics allows them to tunnel through this repulsion barrier, enabling nuclear fusion to occur even at temperatures lower than expected.
Strong Nuclear Force
Keeping Stars Powered
Once protons, at the centre of each atom, are sufficiently close together (thanks to quantum tunnelling), the strong nuclear force — the most powerful force in nature — binds them together into heavier nuclei, such as helium. This releases a tremendous amount of energy that powers stars.
Energy-Mass Equivalence
Making Stars Shine
A small fraction of the mass of the fusing nuclei of the atoms inside stars is converted into energy, as described by Einstein’s theory of relativity (specifically E = mc²). This energy makes stars shine.
Energy for Stars
Maintaining Nuclear Fusion
The force of gravity continually compresses stars, creating the extreme temperatures and pressures necessary for fusion to occur. Without gravity, there would be no nuclear fusion. But without the mass of the star, there would be no gravity!
Biochemistry's Cycles
The Self-energising of Cells
Cellular respiration relies on a series of meticulously coordinated enzymatic reactions, like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. These processes break down glucose into usable energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Energy Efficiency
Using Energy to Make Energy
Within mitochondria, the power houses of the human cell, the electron transport chain pumps protons across the inner membrane, creating a proton gradient. This electrochemical gradient is a form of potential energy that drives ATP synthesis. These reactions are governed by the laws of thermodynamics, particularly conservation of energy and efficient energy transfer. The chemical energy of glucose is converted into ATP's usable form with minimal waste as heat.
Quantum Biology
Our Bodies Use Quantum Mechanics
The tunnelling of electrons through protein complexes in the electron transport chain involves quantum mechanical principles, allowing for efficient energy transfer within the cell.
Molecular Machinery
Our Cells Use Biophysics
ATP synthase, within our cells, is a molecular turbine. Its rotating mechanism is powered by the proton gradient, an astounding example of physics at work within biology.
Our Immune System
Using Multiple Weapons to Fight Invaders
Our bodies' immune response involves energy-intensive processes, such as cell division and protein synthesis, governed by thermodynamic principles.
Electro-Chemical Work
Multiple Complexity in our Brain Signals!
Our brains' neurons communicate via electrical impulses (action potentials) that rely on the movement of ions across the cell membrane. This process depends on the electrical and chemical gradients maintained by arrays of ion pumps and channels.
Muscle Signals & Homeostasis!
Muscles Use Electro-Chemical Signals
Muscle contraction follows Newton’s laws, as the generated force is transmitted through tendons to move bones. Muscle contraction is triggered by electrical signals (action potentials) traveling along nerves to muscle fibres. The influx of calcium ions (electromagnetism and diffusion) initiates the contraction cycle.
Cell Machine Interaction
Our Muscles Know Their Chemistry!
Actin and myosin proteins slide past each other, powered by ATP, to generate force. This process depends on highly specific molecular interactions.
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