Scientists Pin Down Sea Squirt Genetics

AP Science ^ | 2002-12-12 | PAUL RECER

[Junior]

I don't have my ping list handy, so if y'all could get the word out.

LBB's gonna be pissed. His contention that all genetics disproves evolution has hit another stumbling block.

[F-117A]

Sea Squirt

[F-117A]

Red Sea Squirt (animation)

[Junior]

Found my ping list!

Red meat, guys!

[general_re]

The sea squirt has a rubbery, hollow body.

[Junior]

You sure that's a sea squirt, or simply another brainless proto-vertebrate?

[Junior]

"The sea squirt enjoys a special place in the hearts of biologists because it provides the first evolutionary connection between invertebrates and vertebrates," Levine said. "You look at the adult and you think it is one simple creature, but if you look at the embryo, you see a clear connection to higher animals. This is our ancient, ancient cousin."

Just thought you'd enjoy this quote, Mr. "All Biology Disproves Evolution."

[general_re]

You could be right. It's so hard to tell from just the lack of a well-developed central nervous system....

[VadeRetro]

More evidence that evolution has no preferred direction. The young sea squirt has a notochord and swims around. It seems to be a primitive chordate perhaps on its way to becoming a real vertebrate. Yeah!

Instead of which it attaches itself head-down to the sea floor and spends the rest of its life acting more like a sponge.

[LibertyGirl77]

"The sea squirt enjoys a special place in the hearts of biologists because it provides the first evolutionary connection between invertebrates and vertebrates," Levine said. "You look at the adult and you think it is one simple creature, but if you look at the embryo, you see a clear connection to higher animals. This is our ancient, ancient cousin."

Uh...speak for yourself. I don't claim that thing as kin.

[Junior]

Uh...speak for yourself. I don't claim that thing as kin.

In the end, it ain't really up to you, is it? I've got a brother I'd like to disown, but unfortunately I have no control over that situation.

[LibertyGirl77]

< sigh >

In the beginning, God created . . .


That's what I believe. See y'all later, I'm going to lunch.

[PatrickHenry]

Dying thread placemarker.

[John Locke]

The young sea squirt has a notochord and swims around. It seems to be a primitive chordate perhaps on its way to becoming a real vertebrate. Yeah! Instead of which it attaches itself head-down to the sea floor and spends the rest of its life acting more like a sponge.

Presumably it is aiming for the post of Republican Senate leader...

(Back from vacation with some of my more immediate relatives)

[Junior]

Well, it's dying because the creos are purposefully ignoring it. You see, the claims, by biologists, in the article don't mesh well with the "all biology disproves evolution" crowd.

[PatrickHenry]

Well, it's dying because the creos are purposefully ignoring it.

As they ignore everything which discomforts them. And when they can't ignore some things, they nevertheless refuse to connect the dots. So let the thread die. It doesn't make any difference. Evolution is so well-established that it doesn't matter what they think. Or say. Or do.

[AndrewC]

You see, the claims, by biologists, in the article don't mesh well with the "all biology disproves evolution" crowd.

What claims? The only relevant claim being made is that the hollow tube has been sequenced. No other claim about that information has been made. The statement about the sea squirt's emulation of Christopher Reeve is a previously held opinion.

On the other hand, how do you fit this into the vertebrate/invertebrate split?

The squirt can also do things that we can't. It stiffens its adult body with cellulose, for example. Plants and bacteria use this tough molecule in their cell walls, and possess similar genes for making and breaking it.

Where are the lilies with the nerve cells?

[gore3000]

Where are the lilies with the nerve cells?

A few other questions could be asked such as were are the descendants that turn from tadpoles to plant like creatures. How are they 'born twice'? Where are the ancestors and descendants of this creature if it is so unique? Also, why would such a whacked out creature survive some 500 million years with 'all this evolving going on'? NOt only survive - but have not changed in 500 million years! I thought species evolved all the time. Is that not what evolution is all about?

Problem with evolutionists, (and evolutionist reporters) is that they are so ignorant and lacking in common sense that they do not see that this organism strongly disproves evolution.

[Lady Jag]

the juvenile sea squirt is an aquatic mammal that swims around until it finds a suitable rock or coral reef to spend the rest of its life. And then it eats its own brain . . . kind of like some managers I know.
Brainless Fish in Topless Bars