> [Krimel] > Usually in evolution nothing 'new' is created. What typically happens is a > rearrangement of what already exists. One could argue that something new > is created through mutation but this is not how evolution usually works > and even then it is just a radical rearrangement of what already exists. > > But chance is the deciding factor. When things change new contingencies > arise and the distribution of traits in populations change as a result. > Beak shape and size are the classical examples from Darwin. All the > finches came from the same stock but variation resulted from different > environmental demands as the populations spread out among the islands.
[Platt] Finches beaks may change, but how do you explain the creation of a new species? [Krimel] Those finches _were_ classified as different species. As populations are isolated for long periods of time, the distribution of traits changes to the point that reproduction between them no longer takes place. It is just a matter of time and patience. Moq_Discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
