[GodGunsGuts]

Hi guys, I strongly suggest you read the exchange between allmendream and myself from #161 to the end. I think the so-called ERV and pseudogene “smoking gun” evidence of common descent may be falsified. All the best—GGG

[GodGunsGuts]

In case you’re confused by the terminology:

LGGLO pseudogene = GULO pseudogene = Vitamin C Synthase gene.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[betty boop]

Taking your advice GGG, I've been following along this conversation you are having with allmendream and others. I'm enjoying it so much! Thank you! and also thank you for the valuable links.

It seems the issue we are grappling with here finds resolution either in natural selection or natural purpose (functionality). (Or is it maybe both? -- i.e., are they complementarities in Niels Bohr's sense?)

We know that historically, Darwin's theory has had no truck with "teleology," or the theory that nature (and the universe) is purposeful in any way, shape, or form. That is, directed in such a way as to achieve goals, or fulfill ends.

Since I believe that nature, the living universe, expresses purpose at all levels, it has long seemed to me that there is no such thing as "junk DNA," now called by the currently fashionable moniker, "pseudogene." It seems to me such terms are "cop-outs," placemarkers denoting something that we do not (yet) know of or understand.

But really, I'm just taking it all in, and plan to be silent, leaving the issue to you and allmendream....

I'm grateful to you both for the opportunity to be an attentive, interested bystander!