EVOLUTION AND PURPOSE (Evolution)

by David Turell , Friday, December 04, 2015, 20:05 (3275 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: ...The hoof is an onboard modification of an existing body form. I can see epigenetics playing a role here. 
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> dhw: The onboard modification of existing forms still requires the cooperation of cell communities as they respond to the environment (which as I understand it is the basis of epigenetics). You have avoided actually saying yes, but I'll take this as meaning that proto-unidactyl horses were free and able to vary an existing pattern by themselves,...-You don't see the point. Many mutations cause a loss of information. Losing four toes is such a loss. Evolution works tis way, so the horses may have done it on their own.-> 
> DAVID: The nest on the other hand requires intricate design of an object. I think that needs intelligent planning.
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> dhw: Most birds build nests, and even the most complex weaverbird apartment block is a variation on the pattern, like the horse varying the pattern of the foot.-Not the same as explained.-> dhw:You have rightly pointed out that cells do not have brains, and cellular intelligence is still controversial, but there is no controversy over the problem-solving intelligence of certain birds.-They solve simple problems, not specialized nest building.-> 
> dhw: IF humans were the goal right from the start, they would certainly have required guidance, but according to you not even the weaverbird could build its nest without “guidance”, so the weaverbird must also have been the goal. In fact, apart from minor modifications like the horse's hoof, ALL innovations, complex lifestyles and natural wonders extinct and extant required God's “guidance”, and yet his only goal was humans.-I see nothing wrong with your analysis.-
> dhw:I'm afraid I have always had great difficulty figuring out how the lost 99% of species, lifestyles and natural wonders - have served merely to provide a food supply for us humans. I can see why you understand my doubts.-Somebody has to eat somebody. The current animals are a vast improvement over dinosaurs. What is wrong with losing 99% to create progress in evolution? What is here is complicated enough and there is just so much room for life on Earth.