Re: [Phys-l] Another alternative theory horror

[MJ and DS Weiss <martweiss@earthlink.net>]

   The phrase *Better suited * plays no role in the course of 
evolutionary development.   Traits do not develop so the organism can 
become *better suited*, rather, traits mutate from other traits and if 
the trait makes the organism better suited for the niche it fills in the 
environment, well, that's just fine.  If the mutated trait doesn't allow 
a better fit into the niche the organism will die off (worst case) or be 
no more better suited than before (neutral case).   Mutations are 
adaptations:  good, bad, or neutral.   Nature doesn't sit there and say, 
"Well, let's see if this buffalo can run through the brush better if 
his horns are shorter."  It just works out that way.   The shorter 
horned buffalos live longer and can reproduce. The other ones die off 
quicker and don't get to mate.  

   The moths on the trees in industrial England were either dark to fit 
into the sooty deposits on the trees or light colored and were eaten by 
the birds.    And, by the way, this classic example was at one time 
thought to be false and held up by crerationists as an example of 
something that shows the falsehood of evolution.  However, the moth 
story is now found to be historically true afterall and is again used in 
evolutionary theory as an example of adaptation.  

   By the way, MRSA, Ebola (trans-species migration of traits),  and 
other adaptations, micro or macro,  happen to the particular organism 
and really have nothing to do with us (Homo Sapiens).  We just happen to 
be at the right or wrong place at the right or wrong time.  Nature 
couldn't care less what happens to us, just as in the long run, we adapt 
either for  better or for worse.      In a perverse way Planet of the 
Apes is true....   Australopithicus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, 
Neanderthal,   Cro-Magnon... ??   who's next?   Homo computerictus 
(small weak arms, heavily padded fingertips, squinty eyes, large frontal 
cortex, little feet, diabetic, hamburger/ pizza guzzling, semi- 
illiterate. )    (I believe something  similar to that was done once on 
Twlight Zone way before the advent of the computer.)  


Have a good evening and make sure you go to your favorite gym a few 
times a week...   and read a book  (the thing made of paper with real 
printed words... you all remember that, don't you?)    


Marty



> from Zeke and Brian:
>
> Interesting note.
> I hesitate to read the word 'better' used to describe some result of 
> evolution. Like sickle
> -cell anemia is better?   In other words, 'better' is a mild variant 
> of the argument from
> teleology (i.e purposeful change); though 'better suited' is your 
> sentiment, I expect.

> About those feet pads that draw out the subcutaneous zits:     they 
> show the pads going dark,
> until the zits are all expunged. How much more of an observational 
> model could you want?   :-)
>
>
>
>