Genetic Changes In Mice 'Question Evolution Speed'

Ananova ^ | 5-21-2003

[blam]

Genetic changes in mice 'question evolution speed'

A species of mouse has evolved dramatically in just 150 years, showing genetic change can occur much faster than was thought possible.

The discovery was made by accident by two American biologists studying the genetic make-up of a common wild mouse in Chicago.

Dr Dennis Nyberg and Dr Oliver Pergams, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago, analysed DNA samples from 56 museum specimens of the white-footed mouse dating back to 1855, and 52 wild mice captured from local forests and parks.

They found startling genetic differences between the 19th century and modern mice.

Only one of the present-day mice had DNA that matched that of mice collected before 1950.

While fast evolutionary change has been seen in fruit flies, such rapid evolution in a mammal has not been reported before.

The scientists, whose findings appear in the journal Nature, believe humans may have been partly responsible for the "new" mice.

"Settlers may have brought in mice with the favourable gene that were able to out-compete mice with the native variant," said Dr Pergams.

Story filed: 18:18 Wednesday 21st May 2003

[Aric2000]

Now I like that one, gotta get that one on my hard drive.

[Lurking Libertarian]

And those who were evolved from slime know who they are and those who were created by God know who they are.

What about those of us who were created by God, using the natural laws (including evolution) which He created?

[Dataman]

I think the answer is clear: some of us have evolved from slime, and some of us were created.

Charlie did marry his cousin so I'm not sure if this is his nephew or son.

[PatrickHenry]

It will take a while to find the quote and scan it, But I promise the quote will be placed in full context.

Hey, I got a quote from the same kind of "reliable" source, this one's from a famous and outspoken creationist:

"Sure I'm lying my ass off. You know it; I know it; but those dumb schmucks out there in the audience, cheering themselves hoarse, they don't know anything and they never will. But they're buying my books and my tapes. Hey, don't knock it. It's a great living!"
-- unsourced, out-of-context quote

[donh]

Really? So chihuahuas represent the destruction of basic wolf stock?

It is a well known fact that inbred dogs (and other species) are far more fragile and shorter lived than the wild varieties.

I see. So I assume you contend that chihuahuas would spontaneously cease to existence if allowed to breed contentedly and safely for the next dozen millenia or so? Does this opinion extend to Golden Retrievers and Scotch Terriers as well?

[Right Wing Professor]

Jesus Christ was the descendent of at least two cousin marriages. You claim to be a Christian?

[f.Christian]

The paternal lineage was Divine -- God !

[donh]

.Ah, the avatar of freshly made-up science squeeks again. You have the cites to back this up, of course.

And what exactly are you questioning?

Gee, that's a tough one. Ah, I've got it. The statement this was a response to.

[Imagine]

I'm late to join this post, but, did not God create man in his own image??? If so, why would God start in a swamp?

[Right Wing Professor]

So half of Jesus Christ's DNA came from God. Did God just write some genetic code on the spot, or does He, too, have 23 pairs of chromosomes?

[f.Christian]

Holy Spirit !

[Leatherneck_MT]

and based on this evidence, if my Grandmother had wheels, she'd be a wagon.

[Right Wing Professor]

You're right. It is Miller time.

[RightWhale]

Michio Kaku says DNA changes 1% every million years. Perhaps in mice a small change has a greater effect because they are small or live quicker.

[Lurking Libertarian]

why would God start in a swamp?

Because that's a good place to find "the dust of the earth"?

[Imagine]

Oh puuleeeze.

[RightWhale]

why would God start in a swamp?

Mudhole, not swamp. A swamp would already be teeming with alligators and huge bugs.

[ALS]

Suddenly interested in the bible are ya?

karma karma karma chameleon...

[ALS]

swamp was funnier

please pass the grey poupon dry swamp

[RightWhale]

Sure, if you like huge bugs and water mocasins mocassi moccassi snakes.