Creation, Evolution, and the Hyrax

Here is a critter that does not seem to be famous outside of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, but Westerners who read their Bibles may recognize the word. Maybe. The Hebrew word can be translated different ways. They look cute, but watch out for nasty sharp big pointy teeth. So what is this beastie?

It is complicated. There are distinct species that are markedly different. The rock hyraxes (sometimes called dassies) have a very involved social structure, whereas the tree hyraxes are nowhere near as social. 

Pair of hyraxes, Pexels / Guerrero De la Luz

Biblical creationists refer to the created kinds, a concept that has some resemblance to conventional ideas. The kind is generally placed at the family level. We have no problem with speciation. There is no evidence for hyrax evolution, but variations are clearly seen. The Master Engineer designed them to be able to adapt for unique lifestyles as their characteristics demonstrate.

Hyraxes (or hyraces) are medium-sized, mainly herbivorous, furry mammals about the size of a rabbit. With its small, rounded ears and short legs, the hyrax looks like an oversized guinea pig. At a glance, the body of a stationary hyrax appears quite round and fat, but this is due to flexure of the backbone. One only appreciates the length of its body (c. 50 cm / 20 in) when it is running with its ‘bouncy gallop’.

For the rest of the article, see "The humble hyrax — Africa’s rock star."