Genome complexity: variation within species (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 16:11 (2896 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: My same old point. From the outside, the odds are 50/50, but with research on the inside what is found are automatic molecular responses to stimuli and reactions, n nothing more.

dhw:And my same old reply: This also applies to what is found inside the human brain. You cannot see the intelligence that gives rise to thought that gives rise to action. You can only see the molecular responses.

Apples and oranges. I am discussing demonstrable material actions and you are bringing in immaterial consciousness. Whew!

dhw: As for bacteria, same old same old: the only way you can test whether they are intelligent is to set them new problems, which some experts have done, drawing the conclusion that they are intelligent.

Since bacteria started so long ago and faced every6 possible threat, all their survival mechanisms had to be present from the beginning.

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David’s comment: My bolded areas show the automatic molecular controls that shift metabolism to alternate pathways. The term 'regulatory compound' is quite specific. >

shw: Same argument. Of course there have to be physical controls to adapt the body to physical threats. Some bacteria have them, some don’t. In all areas of life you have some individuals that have worked out how to solve problems, and others that haven’t. Successful solutions get passed on. I like the comparison with hibernation. That is also a method by which certain organisms are able to counter the threat of a hostile environment by “shifting their metabolism”. How did it ORIGINATE? Your God preprogramming or dabbling it in order to produce humans? Or your God (theistic version)) giving organisms the intelligence to work it out for themselves?

Same response. Life at the beginning faced all sorts of immediate dangers. They had to have protection from the beginning.