Posted by Walker on April 24, 1998 at 11:54:09:
In Reply to: Evolution by natural selection - experimentally verifiable, repeatable, predictable and a damn good theory posted by rpcman on April 24, 1998 at 01:36:20:
: : 1. What predictions can you make with that theory?
: If something reproduces hereditarily and there is variation in individual characters among the members and there is variation in the fitness of the organisms then natural selection automatically results.
I was hoping for something more concrete like how
Einstein's theory predicted the sun would bend star light.
There are many species currently under stress. Often
they die out. Can anyone predict what adaptions they
will make to survive? The cheetah, rhino? Can anyone
predict what specialization the Galapagos finches,
tortise, iguanas will undergo in the future?
Your answer sounded like "An organism will pass its mutatated
genes to its offspring". Big deal. I know variation happens but
is this proof by induction that humans evolved
from a chimp-like ancestor? I don't buy it.
: : 2. Describe an experiment that shows evolution
: : happens so my buddies and I can replicate it,
: : watch it, make our own observations and see if
: : they match yours.
: Scientists do this all the time. You can find several such experiments on the internet too that you can replicate. Most involve moths or fruitflies since they reproduce quickly. For even faster results try bacteria.
That's interesting. I'll look around a little. If you happen to have a URL, pass it on.
: : 3. That experiment should be repeatable for
: : anyone who wants to try it under controlled
: : conditions.
: And they are. The above book mentions at least a half dozen examples that you can try at home (and like I said I'm only about 1/7th of the way through it--I'm sure there are many more to come.)
Would you share one example? If it sounds good, I'll look at the book.
: Now these I'd like to see repeated or even varified. If you think that is possible, let me know and my good pal James Randi will allow me to split over a million bucks with you. Hell, I'll let you keep the entire pot so long as I can witness the events. ;)
Hmmm. If it were repeatable and verifiable
then it wouldn't be supernatural anymore :(
There goes my million.
At any rate I don't believe those things (ESP,
telekinesis, etc) are verifiable scientifically.
That's why I compare it to evolution. There is a ton of
evidence for evolution but little proof. Yes,
variation does occur between generations of
a species but proof that we and the mosquitos
have a common ancestor -- I haven't seen
it and I'd love to. I'd be happy with proof that
we have a common ancestor with chimps and for me that
requires a repeatable, verifiable experiment;
not just a trail of fossiled bones (although this
is very compelling evidence)
--Alan