Register | Sign In


Understanding through Discussion


EvC Forum active members: 65 (9162 total)
4 online now:
Newest Member: popoi
Post Volume: Total: 915,817 Year: 3,074/9,624 Month: 919/1,588 Week: 102/223 Day: 0/13 Hour: 0/0


Thread  Details

Email This Thread
Newer Topic | Older Topic
  
Author Topic:   "Macro" vs "Micro" genetic "kind" mechanism?
olivortex
Member (Idle past 4778 days)
Posts: 70
From: versailles, france
Joined: 01-28-2009


Message 196 of 248 (496603)
01-29-2009 8:43 AM
Reply to: Message 195 by RAZD
01-29-2009 7:06 AM


the masked red panda
Thank you! i'll study the copy/paste codes, etc. I'm really not a good geek... Computers sometimes call me names, even when they don't have any soundboard.
It seems that the red panda case is far from being closed! that's exactly why i mentioned it and his "cousin" the giant panda. The few slight similarities can cast some doubt on the official taxonomy for these wonderful animals.
You may know how we call a BAT in france...
Back to topic: funny thing is that without a single drop of knowledge about evolution, biology or genetics, i had the feeling that "macroevolution" and "microevolution" were not necessarily to be confronted since it appeared, according to my reading of the scientific research in and out of the lab, that evolution is a continual, over time process.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 195 by RAZD, posted 01-29-2009 7:06 AM RAZD has seen this message but not replied

  
IchiBan
Member (Idle past 4938 days)
Posts: 88
Joined: 07-07-2008


Message 197 of 248 (496624)
01-29-2009 12:35 PM
Reply to: Message 188 by RAZD
01-28-2009 9:19 PM


Re: lists aren't limits.
Heavier than air powered flight = maintaining level flight at a given altitude under its own power.
There is no evidence that the flying squirrel, the flying fish, or any of the other gliding creatures ever mutated into a creature capable of heavier than air powered flight, which is what the bird, bat, insects and airplane are capable of.
The gliding creatures (save the gliding fish) all have fairly steep glide ratios meaning they are in a descent for the entire trip unless they catch a momentary thermal to override their descent velocity.
The flying fish is operating/gliding in ground effect which greatly extends his glide path, and powering himself with his tailfin in the water, not the air.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 188 by RAZD, posted 01-28-2009 9:19 PM RAZD has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 198 by olivortex, posted 01-29-2009 3:20 PM IchiBan has not replied
 Message 199 by RAZD, posted 01-29-2009 8:44 PM IchiBan has replied

  
olivortex
Member (Idle past 4778 days)
Posts: 70
From: versailles, france
Joined: 01-28-2009


Message 198 of 248 (496638)
01-29-2009 3:20 PM
Reply to: Message 197 by IchiBan
01-29-2009 12:35 PM


Re: lists aren't limits.
You make a good point here. But ostriches have wings, and we could reverse the problem, maybe.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 197 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 12:35 PM IchiBan has not replied

  
RAZD
Member (Idle past 1405 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 199 of 248 (496665)
01-29-2009 8:44 PM
Reply to: Message 197 by IchiBan
01-29-2009 12:35 PM


Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
Thank you IchiBan,
Heavier than air powered flight = maintaining level flight at a given altitude under its own power.
I fully agree, however this thread is not about flight, but about finding out if some barrier to evolution exists as creationists claim. You may be just using this as an example, which is how I will answer. However, if you want to discuss the evolution of flight, please start a new thread. You may want to read How do you evolve a BAT? first.
The creationist claim being discussed is whether there is a genetic limit to evolution, a limitation from within the organism that limits how much it can evolve.
Convergent evolution invalidates the concept that there is some mechanism that stops two types of animals from evolving to be similar organisms, as two different types of animals have evolved to be similar organisms in order to take advantage of similar ecologies.
That's all it takes to show such a concept is invalid in science.
There is no evidence that the ... any ... gliding creatures ever mutated into a creature capable of heavier than air powered flight, ....
This seems to imply you think that there should be a direction to evolution, a progression from gliding to flight: there isn't. The failure of gliding animals to evolve full flight is simply because they do not need to evolve the rest of the mechanisms of flight to survive and breed. In addition, the organisms that can fly did not necessarily start with gliding.
Interestingly, there are an amazing number of species that can glide with varying degrees of lift to drag ratios. Many different existing features have been adapted to provide wing surfaces with varying success. Frogs, lizards, snakes, spiders, plant seeds, etc. - and none of these species have any genetic block that prevents this evolution.
http://www.squidoo.com/wildgliders (cool information on lots of gliders: lizards, snakes, geckos, frogs ...)
... which is what the bird, bat, insects and airplane are capable of.
And aside from the airplane (that is not an organism subject to evolution through inheriting genetic traits), these are organisms that have evolved flight independently. Bats and birds are also convergent evolution products, taking advantage of opportunity to expand their ecologies. Bugs apparently have evolved flight many times. We also see pterodactyls in wide variety that evolved flight similar to bats -- another example of convergent evolution.
The difference between flying organism and gliding organism is a function of opportunity and selection pressure, rather than genetic limitation.
For instance the flying fish: it just needs to outrun it's predator, a much larger, heavier fish that is too big and heavy for similar wing fins to evolve. This predator is also limited to how fast it can swim, so all the flying fish needs is to go faster, which it does.
It also is not capable of living in the air very long, so flight would be impractical even if there were more pressure to evolve flight to escape the predators.
As long as all the current known many kinds of gliders are currently able to survive and breed, and as long as additional flight ability does not offer any selection advantage, then they will not evolve further in ability to move through the air.
But the lack of a flight inducing ecology, or the lack of flight to provide an opportunity for improved survival and breeding is not a genetic limitation, not a limitation from within the organism. Different ecologies, different opportunities will result in different evolution from a common ancestor population.
Enjoy.
Edited by RAZD, : from within

we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.


• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •

This message is a reply to:
 Message 197 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 12:35 PM IchiBan has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 200 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 9:44 PM RAZD has replied

  
IchiBan
Member (Idle past 4938 days)
Posts: 88
Joined: 07-07-2008


Message 200 of 248 (496670)
01-29-2009 9:44 PM
Reply to: Message 199 by RAZD
01-29-2009 8:44 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
Thank You RAZD
I see your post has some built in assumptions that have not been borne out IMO.
What I was keying on is that very often the gliding creatures are interjected into the discussion with the inference that they were/are an example of creature in an early stage of evolution into another creature towards powered flight. Darwin even had it in his own writings specifically about the flying fish evolving into something more.
This genetic barrier to macro-evolution, It is a false challenge to the creationists because it assumes evolution as true, when the evidence shows only adaption and variation within limits.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 199 by RAZD, posted 01-29-2009 8:44 PM RAZD has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 201 by Coyote, posted 01-29-2009 10:19 PM IchiBan has replied
 Message 208 by RAZD, posted 01-30-2009 12:53 AM IchiBan has replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 201 of 248 (496674)
01-29-2009 10:19 PM
Reply to: Message 200 by IchiBan
01-29-2009 9:44 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
This genetic barrier to macro-evolution, It is a false challenge to the creationists because it assumes evolution as true, when the evidence shows only adaption and variation within limits.
I beg to differ. Religious belief prescribes "only adaption and variation within limits" because of the biblical mention of "kinds."
Science has not supported that limitation. It has, in fact, shown the opposite: there is no known mechanism that prevents micro-evolution from progressing to macro-evolution over time.
I have asked creationists to provide me with a mechanism that prevents micros from adding up over time to macros. I have never received a satisfactory answer.
Perhaps you can be the first to provide such an answer?

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 200 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 9:44 PM IchiBan has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 202 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 10:48 PM Coyote has replied
 Message 209 by PaulK, posted 01-30-2009 1:13 AM Coyote has replied

  
IchiBan
Member (Idle past 4938 days)
Posts: 88
Joined: 07-07-2008


Message 202 of 248 (496676)
01-29-2009 10:48 PM
Reply to: Message 201 by Coyote
01-29-2009 10:19 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
Macro evolution has not been demonstrated, it was only inferred by Darwin and there has been no evidence for it since then that has stood the test of time. If you have the specific evidence of that pls bring it here.
So therefore you are asking for a mechanism to stop a result that has not been demonstrated. IOW, You are talking mechanisms that dont exist in nature.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 201 by Coyote, posted 01-29-2009 10:19 PM Coyote has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 203 by Coyote, posted 01-29-2009 11:00 PM IchiBan has replied
 Message 211 by RAZD, posted 01-30-2009 1:39 AM IchiBan has not replied
 Message 219 by Blue Jay, posted 01-30-2009 5:42 PM IchiBan has not replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 203 of 248 (496680)
01-29-2009 11:00 PM
Reply to: Message 202 by IchiBan
01-29-2009 10:48 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
Macro evolution has not been demonstrated, it was only inferred by Darwin and there has been no evidence for it since then that has stood the test of time. If you have the specific evidence of that pls bring it here.
So therefore you are asking for a mechanism to stop a result that has not been demonstrated. IOW, You are talking mechanisms that dont exist in nature.
Sorry, that is not correct.
Scientific evidence supports macroevolution as the mechanism for evolution. Only the bible states otherwise.
When you start looking at the evidence, there is overwhelming support for the former position, and a complete lack of evidence for the latter position.
Does it not mean anything to you that scientists from all over the world, of various religions or no religion, all come with the same answer while only biblical fundamentalists come up with an opposing answer?
Doesn't it ever occur to you that you are doing religion, rather than science; relying on belief rather than evidence? And that science has provided the answers that you steadfastly deny?

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 202 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 10:48 PM IchiBan has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 204 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 11:15 PM Coyote has not replied

  
IchiBan
Member (Idle past 4938 days)
Posts: 88
Joined: 07-07-2008


Message 204 of 248 (496683)
01-29-2009 11:15 PM
Reply to: Message 203 by Coyote
01-29-2009 11:00 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
"Scientific evidence supports macroevolution as the mechanism for evolution"
Well lets talk about the evidence then, bring your best most comprehensive evidence here to the forum.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 203 by Coyote, posted 01-29-2009 11:00 PM Coyote has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 205 by AdminNosy, posted 01-29-2009 11:39 PM IchiBan has replied

  
AdminNosy
Administrator
Posts: 4754
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Joined: 11-11-2003


Message 205 of 248 (496687)
01-29-2009 11:39 PM
Reply to: Message 204 by IchiBan
01-29-2009 11:15 PM


Topic!
Well lets talk about the evidence then, bring your best most comprehensive evidence here to the forum.
Not to this thread! One of the claims made against macro evolution (perhaps the only one) is that it can't happen because there is a barrier. That is the topic of this thread.
We are 2/3 through 300 posts and no one has supported that claim.
If you don't know about the voluminous evidence for macro-evolution then you might want to brush up a bit before joining this thread unless you are actually prepared to support the "kind-barriers" existence with substantiated fact.
Edited by AdminNosy, : No reason given.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 204 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 11:15 PM IchiBan has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 206 by IchiBan, posted 01-30-2009 12:00 AM AdminNosy has not replied

  
IchiBan
Member (Idle past 4938 days)
Posts: 88
Joined: 07-07-2008


Message 206 of 248 (496688)
01-30-2009 12:00 AM
Reply to: Message 205 by AdminNosy
01-29-2009 11:39 PM


Re: Topic!
LOL! I know plenty about the "voluminous evidence" for macro-evolution. But okay not on this thread.
About the voluminous evidence for macro-evolution, that is a whole nuther topic on its own I guess. On that note, what would you define as substantiated fact when it comes to macro-evolution?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 205 by AdminNosy, posted 01-29-2009 11:39 PM AdminNosy has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 207 by Coyote, posted 01-30-2009 12:20 AM IchiBan has not replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 207 of 248 (496689)
01-30-2009 12:20 AM
Reply to: Message 206 by IchiBan
01-30-2009 12:00 AM


Re: Topic!
About the voluminous evidence for macro-evolution, that is a whole nuther topic on its own I guess. On that note, what would you define as substantiated fact when it comes to macro-evolution?
If you want to stay on topic show us the mechanism that prevents one genus, say the ancient primate ancestor, from evolving into all of the subsequent genera of ape (i.e., orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans).
But to do this, you first have to counter all of genetics, supported by paleontology, as those fields show that the ancient primate ancestor did evolve into those more recent genera. Then you have to show the mechanism that prevented that evolution.
And please, I've had a long day. Stick to science. Leave the religious belief and creation "science" for another day, eh?

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 206 by IchiBan, posted 01-30-2009 12:00 AM IchiBan has not replied

  
RAZD
Member (Idle past 1405 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 208 of 248 (496692)
01-30-2009 12:53 AM
Reply to: Message 200 by IchiBan
01-29-2009 9:44 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
Thanks for the clarification, Ichiban.
What I was keying on is that very often the gliding creatures are interjected into the discussion with the inference that they were/are an example of creature in an early stage of evolution into another creature towards powered flight. Darwin even had it in his own writings specifically about the flying fish evolving into something more.
But the basic assumption here, is that there is some kind of "progress" involved from gliding to flight, that once gliding was accomplished, that this "progress" would continue to flight. This is not how evolution works. Darwin may have speculated on what further evolution might occur for flying fish as he did for swimming bears, however, this too, does not mean that such speculations must occur in general and in the last 150 years specifically.
Again, if you want to have a discussion about the evolution of flight, a new thread is called for. As pointed out by Ned, the topic of this thread is whether there is a genetic barrier to evolution. So far, no such barrier has been demonstrated.
The thesis of this debate topic is really simple, Message 1:
quote:
A {macro vs micro} genetic question for creationists:
IF the concept of "kinds" is correct, THEN there must be mechanism(s) in the DNA that allows "micro"evolution but prevents "macro"evolution?
At the level of DNA there is no real difference in all levels of organisms other than the progression of the different pairs of the appropriate (4) amino acids (CTAG).
Random mutations can cause any pair to be changed to another, thus at the molecular level it is entirely possible to change one {"macro" organism} into another {"macro" organism} with the correct series of mutations of exactly the same kind as are known to occur in "micro"evolution.
The whole system was supposedly set up during those original 6 days, so there must be a mechanism in place that prevents "macro"evolution ... what is the built-in biological mechanism that prevents this from happening? Where is it located? Why hasn't it been found?
Those arguing for the proposition that there is a genetic mechanism have failed to present any evidence that this in fact is true.
Those arguing against the proposition have shown evidence that there is no barrier, evidence like convergent evolution, where quite different evolutionary lineages have produced similar adaptations to similar ecologies.
Sugar gliders and flying squirrels
Bats and pterosaurs and birds
Sharks and killer whales
This genetic barrier to macro-evolution, It is a false challenge to the creationists because it assumes evolution as true, when the evidence shows only adaption and variation within limits.
No, all it assumes is that if there is "only adaption and variation within limits" that there must then be a barrier that prevents macroevolution at the genetic level.
Clearly the evidence of convergent evolution demonstrates that there is no barrier to what can evolve starting from different ancestral lineages.
What stops macroevolution at the genetic level?
Enjoy.

we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.


• • • Join the effort to solve medical problems, AIDS/HIV, Cancer and more with Team EvC! (click) • • •

This message is a reply to:
 Message 200 by IchiBan, posted 01-29-2009 9:44 PM IchiBan has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 222 by IchiBan, posted 01-31-2009 6:45 PM RAZD has replied

  
PaulK
Member
Posts: 17822
Joined: 01-10-2003
Member Rating: 2.2


Message 209 of 248 (496695)
01-30-2009 1:13 AM
Reply to: Message 201 by Coyote
01-29-2009 10:19 PM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
quote:
I beg to differ. Religious belief prescribes "only adaption and variation within limits" because of the biblical mention of "kinds."
I think you're wrong there Coyote. The Biblical mention of "kinds" is exaggerated and misrepresented to support creationist ideas. There's no reason to believe that the biblical usage matches the creationist usage.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 201 by Coyote, posted 01-29-2009 10:19 PM Coyote has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 210 by Coyote, posted 01-30-2009 1:28 AM PaulK has replied

  
Coyote
Member (Idle past 2106 days)
Posts: 6117
Joined: 01-12-2008


Message 210 of 248 (496698)
01-30-2009 1:28 AM
Reply to: Message 209 by PaulK
01-30-2009 1:13 AM


Re: Convergent Evolution Invalidates Evolution Barrier
quote:
I beg to differ. Religious belief prescribes "only adaption and variation within limits" because of the biblical mention of "kinds."
I think you're wrong there Coyote. The Biblical mention of "kinds" is exaggerated and misrepresented to support creationist ideas. There's no reason to believe that the biblical usage matches the creationist usage.
I'll have to take your word on that, as that's far outside my field.
I am only going by what I have read on creationist websites and seen posted on threads like this. One example is:
What are the Genesis “kinds”? Baraminology”classification of created organisms
If you could, while staying within the topic, I would like to hear your thoughts on the "kind" problem. To stay on topic you'll probably have to relate it to the mechanism that prevents microevolution from becoming macroevolution over extended periods of time, or looked at from the other direction, the mechanism that keeps kinds from "branching out" (if you'll pardon the pun).
Thanks!

Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 209 by PaulK, posted 01-30-2009 1:13 AM PaulK has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 212 by NosyNed, posted 01-30-2009 8:47 AM Coyote has not replied
 Message 217 by PaulK, posted 01-30-2009 2:46 PM Coyote has not replied

  
Newer Topic | Older Topic
Jump to:


Copyright 2001-2023 by EvC Forum, All Rights Reserved

™ Version 4.2
Innovative software from Qwixotic © 2024