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To: Doctor Stochastic; js1138; AndrewC
> Non-reproducing individuals may extend the breeding lives of reproducing individuals.

>Agressive individuals can make good soldiers and benefit their community, even if they die before reproducing.

I believe the point Andrew is making is that, insofar as non-breeding species do not pass genetic material from one generation to the next, they have no effect on the species per se. If you want to turn his point into an argument about the effect of experience and environment on a species, we might as well talk about how butterflies can start weather patterns that result in thunderstorms.

1,414 posted on 12/05/2004 6:04:46 PM PST by Fester Chugabrew
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To: Fester Chugabrew

I think you meant to say non-breeding individuals, rather than non-breeding species.

It makes no difference. Individuals that do not breed can nevertheless benefit the population that shares their genes.


1,419 posted on 12/05/2004 6:15:14 PM PST by js1138 (D*mn, I Missed!)
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