Rapid Darwinian Evolution
Simply stated, Darwin told us that evolution revolves around the survival of the fittest - those least fit don't make it, and therefore they don't leave offspring. Those most fit will prosper, and their offspring will inherit the genes that gave them that advantage.
Most experts would say that evolution is a slow process. Some say it can happen rapidly (see "punctuated equilibrium"). I figure both are correct - it can happen fast, medium or slow. The more extreme the circumstances, the more rapid the evolution.
In late 2007 SciAm published an opinion piece that highlights just how rapidly evolution can occur:
Unless we have scientists observing the the most extreme circumstances nature can toss our way, we will be unable to realise how rapid evolution can be - we will be unable to realise that gaps in the evolutionary tree come down to the sheer speed of the evolution itself.
Most experts would say that evolution is a slow process. Some say it can happen rapidly (see "punctuated equilibrium"). I figure both are correct - it can happen fast, medium or slow. The more extreme the circumstances, the more rapid the evolution.
In late 2007 SciAm published an opinion piece that highlights just how rapidly evolution can occur:
Brought to Queensland in 1935 to combat beetles infesting sugarcane fields, the [Cane]toads have spread out from their point of entry like the shock waves of a bomb, warty legs and oversize tongues jettisoned into every conceivable ecological crack.In a global cataclysm scenario, evolutionary pressures can become extreme. Larger, less-populous species are more likely to become extinct (less places to hide, less numbers). The butterfly effect of this can wreak havoc on the what was previously a well-balanced scenario. Changed landscapes and climates can suddenly create challenges, giving advantage to those best suited to the changed situation.
...Recent research... has shown that the toads are evolving as they spread, perfecting their ability to adapt to the Australian landscape. The toads at the front edge of the invasion now have smaller bodies, reduced toxicity and relatively longer legs, apparently because individuals with those traits were having greater success. The native fauna has evolved in response: the mouths of some snake species are getting smaller, for instance, because so many of the snakes with big mouths were eating the poisonous cane toads and dying off.
Unless we have scientists observing the the most extreme circumstances nature can toss our way, we will be unable to realise how rapid evolution can be - we will be unable to realise that gaps in the evolutionary tree come down to the sheer speed of the evolution itself.
Labels: evolution
posted by Rob at
Thursday, February 26, 2009
2 Comments:
Im a strong believer evolution its hard for me to believe that humanity was just zapped into life The human race is a blind creature well most people would rather beleive in a fairy tail. I think god was some think put to gether from many tails of some think that primative man could not explain. Its like you tell your child about santa Easter bunny thie boogie man its not real but its something man cant shake because its an old tradition but in 2012 we will see hows right me or the blind creature called man.
You might like to read my book, "2012: A Conspiracy Tale".
Available from the following outlets:
http://www1.bookbutler.com/do/bookCompare%3Bjsessionid=283A109E550BA9B988DFA26EFC2EEECE?searchFor=1906510547&amountIn=gbp&shipTo=gb&searchIn=uk&zip=
The story begins in early 2008. It is a time of great political unrest; people are living in constant fear of terrorist attack and are looking to the world leaders to take action. Suspicion of local government runs high and conspiracy rumours abound.
Mitchell Webb, CEO of IDSys, and his long-term friend Simon Rockwell are on the brink of securing a contract from Her Majesty’s Government for the design, manufacture and supply of Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) for the protection of the British Public against terrorist attack. It would be the biggest deal in their company’s relatively short history.
Shortly after being awarded the contract, there is a horrendous terrorist attack on one of England’s most famous landmarks and the Government passes legislation for the compulsory introduction of RFIDs, bringing about a series of events that draw Mitch and his colleagues into the biggest conspiracy in history. Little by little, they uncover some unsettling information that makes them question the real motives behind the introduction of RFIDs.
The friends soon find themselves in a deadly race against time, facing a powerful and ruthless enemy, culminating in an astonishing discovery about the very origins of life on Earth.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home