[OGD] Re: Evolution and Speciation

[Peter Hirsch]

	Martin, it is, in my view, a mistake to imagine that species (orchids 
or otherwise) can look into the future. In the case of your 
specialized orchid+vector, neither can "know" that it is dependent on 
the other.  If either suddenly vanishes, then so will the other.  It 
would be just another of the many mechanisms that cause extinction in 
this cruel world.
	On the other hand, the scenario above us fanciful.  It's unlikely 
that either "suddenly vanishes."  More likely, there would be a 
decline, perhaps (and perhaps not) allowing time for adaptation to a 
new partner.
Peter Hirsch
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