If matter can not be created or destroyed what about growing a tree or having a baby? that's creation?

Question

If matter can not be created or destroyed what about growing a tree or having a baby? that's creation?

Answer 1

Everything is in the hand of Allah, creation and destruction alike.

Answer 2

Hi billy,

It certainly SEEMS that matter is being created when a tree or a baby grows, but that's not the case.  All the new matter that's incorporated into a growing organism comes from pre-existing matter.  For example, the tree absorbs minerals and nutrients from the soil via its roots, and it takes carbon dioxide from the air through its leaves.  All the plant has to do is rearrange the atoms and molecules already present in those nutrients into new forms, and voila!  You've got a growing tree.

Likewise for the developing fetus.  The baby obtains nutrients from its mother's body (or in the case of egg-borne animals, from a yolk contained within the shell).  It cannot simply CREATE matter, it can only re-appropriate matter to use in its own growth.  There's nothing in the growing of a tree or a baby that violates the law of conservation of mass.

I hope that helps.  Good luck!

Answer 3

According to the theory, it cannot be created or destroyed, but it is transferred. With a tree. the seed carries the potential energy, and the tree growing is the kinetic energy. It is the same aspect for having a baby. The energy is transferred from the mother to the child. Hope it helps.

Answer 4

wait wait...do you just think that the matter and cells for a baby or a tree just pop out of no where?

oh god ive lost all faith in humankind.

Answer 5

Woman eat food

Trees absorb nutrients from soil

Answer 6

Growing a tree (or a baby) starts with genetic material from its parents, and the biochemical processes to take other material (proteins, sugars, and so on) to make the tissues (cellulose for trees; bones, muscles, and other tissues for the baby).  Is that creation?  I personally would say it is following the plans laid down for that being (tree or baby), but I didn't create my children nor the trees I've grown.  The creating was done long before I participated in the processes.

Answer 7

Trees take in CO2 from the air and water from the ground (among other things like nitrates) to grow.

Pregnant women eat food, from which they, and the baby, take nutrients and proteins.

All the energy and matter already exists in one form or another.