Definitions (Evolution)

by David Turell , Thursday, April 10, 2008, 15:37 (5858 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: "You have asked: "Did natural selection create the tree"? Not according to my understanding. The tree may have been created by mutations, each of which was then subject to natural selection, but the mechanism driving the sheer creativity of these mutations is far beyond my comprehension." - The tree, which is an invention of science, is a result of the effects of natural selection. That is really the point I was making. The 'tree' does not 'advance' without the effects of selection, removing the less effective results of change in the organisms. The stronger organisms then become a majority of a species and the species is more successful. The mystery comes from the fact that most beneficial mutations are recessive. Two organisms must have the same recessive mutation, then must meet each other and mate. One must assume that the same mutation appears multiple times so that some chance at proper mating occurs. One theory I have seen is that a species will do better at this if isolated, which I guess follows the thought that in isolation there will be less competition and more chance for successful mating. As I have stated before, if Darwin knew all of this, I doubt he would have been so convinced his theory might work.