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Author Topic:   Mutational Problem
Taq
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Posts: 10085
Joined: 03-06-2009
Member Rating: 5.6


Message 1 of 4 (599219)
01-05-2011 4:54 PM


The author of the following webpage (hereafter referred to as "Plaisted" in reference to the email address given in the first full paragraph on the webpage) has made the argument that the theory of evolution has been falsified because the rate of mutation can not produce the changes we see. The webpage can be found here:
The Mutation Problem
Plaisted concludes:
quote:
The general situation is that rates of mutation high enough to account for the ape-human split would lead to the rapid death of the species. Even rates of mutation often quoted by biologists would do the same. A lower rate of mutation would make the assumed evolution of apes and humans from a common ancestor impossible. If the rate of mutation really is high, then the human race must be very young and on the way to extinction.
Is Plaisted right?
Note to moderators:
I would like to notify Plaisted once this thread is approved, assuming that the listed email is still valid.

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by Adminnemooseus, posted 01-05-2011 9:00 PM Taq has not replied
 Message 3 by Adminnemooseus, posted 01-06-2011 12:51 AM Taq has not replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3976
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 2 of 4 (599229)
01-05-2011 9:00 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Taq
01-05-2011 4:54 PM


You're citing a 1998 article from a computer science professor
From your cite:
quote:
June 7, 1998
and
quote:
These problems with mutation rates do not seem to be appreciated by most biologists, and even the creationist sources I have read do not seem to comprehend the seriousness of the problems posed for the theory of evolution by the rates of mutation observed and assumed for evolution.
But the problem does seem to be appreciated by a computer science professor.
I just don't see what you have presented as being a legitimate topic launching point. Perhaps you could add more to convince me otherwise?
Input from other admins certainly welcome.
Adminnemooseus

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Taq, posted 01-05-2011 4:54 PM Taq has not replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3976
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 3 of 4 (599245)
01-06-2011 12:51 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Taq
01-05-2011 4:54 PM


OK, don't like it but it does seem to need to be released
It was brought to my attention that the topic has its roots in another topic (see here and downthread).
We shall see what happens.
Adminnemooseus

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Taq, posted 01-05-2011 4:54 PM Taq has not replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3976
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 4 of 4 (599247)
01-06-2011 12:52 AM


Thread Copied to Biological Evolution Forum
Thread copied to the Mutational Problem thread in the Biological Evolution forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.

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