Originally posted by KellyJayThis is a difficult one to call.
Do you think there is rhyme and reason behind all evolutionary
change, such as acquiring the ability to milk one's young? Do
you think there was no reason it happened that way, it just
happened luckily? This of course assumes you believe in the
evolutionary change theory. For those that do not, the changes
being described didn't happen either with or without design or
purpose behind them.
Kelly
Evolution is a very complex process and not just the random set of mutations it is often simplified to.
Many evolutionary steps do indeed give the appearance of being directed.
For instance the evolutionary "arms races" between many species (lion & zebra, cactus & donkey, etc.) appear nonrandom.
A book which examines this very phenomenon in some detail is "The Blind Watchmaker" by Professor Richard Dawkins.
Well worth a read whether you agree with non-directed evolution or not.
Originally posted by martin williamsI have that book and have read it. In your opinion what about
This is a difficult one to call.
Evolution is a very complex process and not just the random set of mutations it is often simplified to.
Many evolutionary steps do indeed give the appearance of being directed.
For instance the evolutionary "arms races" between many species (lion & zebra, cactus & donkey, etc.) appear nonrandom.
A book which exa ...[text shortened]... fessor Richard Dawkins.
Well worth a read whether you agree with non-directed evolution or not.
what we see in DNA suggests evolutionary change instead of
design? If there is something you'd like me to read again so
we can discuss it please tell me, I have the book on my book
shelf now.
Kelly
5 edits
Originally posted by pcaspianIsnt that because Nature in its infinite wisdom wanted fully clothed humans to be able to seperate men and women?
Can someone explain to me how mammals (ie: breastfeeders originated ?) Are we talking about some random mutation, which caused a parent to produce nutritious substances, which was passed down to the children and so .. breastfeeding ?
Originally posted by pcaspianwhich came first? the mammaries or the nursers?😀
Can someone explain to me how mammals (ie: breastfeeders originated ?) Are we talking about some random mutation, which caused a parent to produce nutritious substances, which was passed down to the children and so .. breastfeeding ?
cheers
Originally posted by KellyJayTo get the discussion away from DNA entirely, Dawkins mentions how a particular type of sedimentary mud can be said to evolve.
I have that book and have read it. In your opinion what about
what we see in DNA suggests evolutionary change instead of
design? If there is something you'd like me to read again so
we can discuss it please tell me, I have the book on my book
shelf now.
Kelly
I can't remember the exact details, because it's been a couple of years since I read the book, so I shall have to re-read it to get my thoughts completely straight on the process.
I think you'll agree though that the book handles the subject of evolution very fairly, and doesn't in any way insult those who do not believe in evolutionary theory.
Originally posted by martin williamsIt has been awhile for me as well. I have about 3 books I about to
To get the discussion away from DNA entirely, Dawkins mentions how a particular type of sedimentary mud can be said to evolve.
I can't remember the exact details, because it's been a couple of years since I read the book, so I shall have to re-read it to get my thoughts completely straight on the process.
I think you'll agree though that the boo ...[text shortened]... ion very fairly, and doesn't in any way insult those who do not believe in evolutionary theory.
read, I may go back over that one if you wish to discuss it. I will read
a page or two if you would like to cover just that much.
Kelly
Originally posted by pcaspianThere's a rather fab essay on this very topic you might want to read called 'Male nipples and clitoral ripples'. It's in Stephen Jay Gould's Bully for Brontosaurus collection.
Originally posted by druidravi
[b]
Among the milk producing mutuates some could produce milk whose complexity increases slowly while the other could produce milk at a constant level of complexity.No guesses as to which will survive better.
Well just guessing.
How could we account for both man and female species having nipples ? I wo ...[text shortened]... duced milk, yet for some reason nipples in every male mammal ceased to serve a purpose.
[/b]
Rich.
Originally posted by pcaspianIt was by magic.
Can someone explain to me how mammals (ie: breastfeeders originated ?) Are we talking about some random mutation, which caused a parent to produce nutritious substances, which was passed down to the children and so .. breastfeeding ?
cheers
Originally posted by KellyJayMen's nipples make me laugh. I can't help it. There is just something so funny about them. I mean, we all get so titilated (pun intended) by women's nipples, and yet there are men's nipples just out there for anyone to see.
I think I could by into that answer over an accident of evolutionary
change.
Kelly
