[Theo]

Was death the consequence of sin, as Scripture seems to say pretty plainly?

Or did God use cycles of death to bring about the variety of creatures we see today?

Also, was Adam created with the appearance of age?

[ZULU]

“Was death the consequence of sin, as Scripture seems to say pretty plainly?”

With respect to Adam - yes.

“Or did God use cycles of death to bring about the variety of creatures we see today?”

Yes, but without the “Or” God may have had different plans for mankind than for animals.

“Also, was Adam created with the appearance of age?”

Who knows and why is it even relevant?