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To: Dimensio
Evolution can be predicted

That evolution may continue should not be doubted. But the direction of evolution cannot be predicted. Some may try to force evolution in a particular direction, but they will ultimately pass into despair when their efforts fail and evolution goes in an entirely different direction. Even cloning technology will ultimately fail to control the direction of biological evolution although particular organisms may be created on purpose.

168 posted on 02/13/2004 4:42:07 PM PST by RightWhale (Repeal the law of the excluded middle)
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To: RightWhale
That evolution may continue should not be doubted. But the direction of evolution cannot be predicted.

Actually, the direction can be predicted. There will be errors in the prediction based upon unknown factors, just like there are unknown factors that lead to errors in any predictive endeavour. Would you accuse someone of heresy because they watched weather reports?
169 posted on 02/13/2004 4:45:26 PM PST by Dimensio (I gave you LIFE! I -- AAAAAAAAH!)
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To: RightWhale; Dimensio
But the direction of evolution cannot be predicted.

In general, true, because the environment in which organisms live is itself unpredictable.

But some predictions can be made: For example, I predict that our far-future descendants will not have wisdom teeth. This is because, very occasionally, an impacted/infected wisdom tooth is fatal before childbearing years.

We can also safely predict that things like the nylon-eating bacteria will continue to evolve (ie things that metabolize synthetic compounds)

236 posted on 02/13/2004 10:08:12 PM PST by Virginia-American
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