Posted by Coach on May 13, 1998 at 10:14:45:
In Reply to: Evolution (again) posted by rpcman on May 12, 1998 at 14:57:19:
: All of the finches of the Galapagos Islands are still, however, finches. And they are very similar to the mainland finches which probably gave rise to their populations. On the other hand, there is no evidence in the Galapagos or anywhere else that I know of that Natural Selection is in any way capable of producing individuals which are of different species from individuals of the same species.
: Hmmmm.... I've already pointed out several cases of this happening in a very short period of time. Check out some of the other messages as well as the textbook Evolution which clearly shows several examples of speciation.
: In fact, Stephen Gould, arguably the worlds leading Authority on evolution has publicly stated that Natural Selection is not a good or sufficient means for speciation.
: Do you have a quote with citation? I've actually read where he says almost the complete opposite of what you suggest he says.
: His latest hypothesis is the Punctuated Equilibrium Hypothesis...
: This is not a new hypothesis. Intermediate forms do in fact exist. Check out the site below.
: A study of genetics (especially gene mutation) indicates that we should see more evolution in the billions of years natural selection has been operating than we do. The reason we don't is natural selection does far more to limit change than it does to create it. Again, see the textbook I've referenced above.
Good point. Most of us Biochem guys would agree with you that Natural Selection is actually a stabilizing influence on the gene pool. Are you sure about your data on the mutation rates? I know that the actual rate of mutation is fairly high on a cellular level, but that is not the same thing as the rate of inheritable
mutations which is not the same as the rate of viable mutations which is not the same as the rate of beneficial mutations. Do you have some lit on it, I would be interested in reading up on the subject some more. I'll look the piece where Gould says N.S. is not a sufficient means for Speciation. It is probably 10 years old
but I think I can find it. If not, like a good scientist, I will withdraw the statement. :>)