Genome complexity: variation within species (Introduction)

by David Turell , Monday, December 12, 2016, 17:33 (2691 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: I am emphasizing individual differences in the variability in species, which means, as I pointed out in bacteria, some have alternate pathways already on board, or are partially immune to begin with. That means new adaptations don't have to be invented. Reproduction between partially immune or pollution resistant individuals will solve the issue as more fit individuals appear on the scene in a few generations.

dhw:I am also talking about individual differences in the variability in species, because both adaptations and innovations must take place in individuals.

Of course we are discussing individuals, who are variable and have differing strengths to handle increasing pollution levels. The strong ones reproduce and survive and their progeny survive. Why is that so hard to understand?

dhw: Why is your theory more likely than the hypothesis that some individuals are able to work out a counter to the threat, and then “reproduction between immune or pollution resistant individuals will solve the issue as more fit individuals appear on the scene in a few generations”?

Because what I have described is the accepted explanation for resistance.