Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Finches named for Darwin are evolving
Associated Press ^ | 07/13/06

Posted on 07/13/2006 1:21:13 PM PDT by presidio9

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 301-320321-340341-360 ... 541-547 next last
To: Dark Knight
Squishy definitions, like SPECIES.

The definition of "species" is not "squishy". It is somewhat ambiguous at borders, because of the nature of speciation, but the term is well-understood regardless.

Crappy logic like evolution is both a theory and a fact.

How is this logic "crappy"? Please explain to show that you understand what is meant by the statement.
321 posted on 07/15/2006 7:19:30 AM PDT by Dimensio (http://angryflower.com/bobsqu.gif <-- required reading before you use your next apostrophe!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 312 | View Replies]

To: Tokra
The flat earth crowd - oops, I mean the "Young earth" crowd, will discount anything that doesn't agree with their pre-conceived ideas.

Explain how the same species, demonstrating smaller average beak size is a sign of evolution. If there were no smaller beaked birds in the general population a few decades ago, there might be an inkling of an inkling of a chance that it signalled the beginning of a possibility of some form of evolution.

Your comment is a prime example of how you "old earthers" will jump on anything to help bolster your point of view, even if it really does no such thing. All this shows is that those with smaller beaks get more food and are stronger and more viable, therefore more likely to breed. The result is more birds with small beaks. Of course, I guess it all comes down to what the meaning of "evolution" is (if you can decide the meaning of "is" too).

322 posted on 07/15/2006 7:41:45 AM PDT by trebb ("I am the way... no one comes to the Father, but by me..." - Jesus in John 14:6 (RSV))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Dimensio

The definition of "species" is not "squishy". It is somewhat ambiguous at borders, because of the nature of speciation, but the term is well-understood regardless.<<


Since the advent of the theory of evolution, the conception of species has undergone vast changes in biology; however no consensus on the definition of the word has yet been reached. The most commonly cited definition of "species" was first coined by Ernst Mayr. By this definition, called the biological species concept or isolation species concept, species are "groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations which are reproductively isolated from other such groups". However, many other species concepts are also used (see other definitions of species below).<<

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species

That doesn't sound squishy to you? It is not well understood, it is flexible to the point of uselessness.

>>Crappy logic like evolution is both a theory and a fact.<<

>>How is this logic "crappy"? Please explain to show that you understand what is meant by the statement.<<

Evolution cannot be both a theory and a fact. Biologists have been remiss in their duty to use language rigorously. ToEs attempt to explain the observations that are really the fossil record. Of course once you say the word evolution, everything gets written in stone (I hope you appreciate that!). Now we have whole populations of scientists that think in terms of evolution...but they really don't have mountains of results from it.

The psych term for it is homosocial reproduction. You choose your successor based on self image.

This is a mechanism that helps assure paradigm shifts won't occur easily. But we are near one in biology. I'm looking forward to it.

I have mentioned several biological tech advances that don't require any evolutionary belief or training, but are far more important to humanity. When I ask about the usefulness of ToEs, I get sent to pages that describe computer genetic algorithms that spit out obscure circuit designs or other bizarre fringy stuff.

But there is one thing I have to note:

Please explain to show that you understand what is meant by the statement.

I have not asked you to show me that you know what you write. I may dispute what you write. I may disagree with you. I may try to persuade you. I may ask more about things you say. If insulted, I WILL return the favor. I will always remind the pompous if they said something foolish. A very bright moron once said we don't use epistemology in science. I still laugh at him and he hates it.

So why am I obligated to prove my knowledge to you?

BTW I love citations.

This is not a tagline or a gotcha, I would really like to know why you feel that?

DK


323 posted on 07/15/2006 8:06:43 AM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 321 | View Replies]

To: tomzz
Any of them evolved into a duck or an eagle yet??

More importantly, do they taste good with a bit of garlic and clove?

324 posted on 07/15/2006 8:11:19 AM PDT by Recovering Hermit (Apparently, most who protest for peace do so at the expense of hygiene.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: Recovering Hermit

Any of them evolved into a duck or an eagle yet??

More importantly, do they taste good with a bit of garlic and clove?<<

Okay, time to start sharing spotted owl recipes!

DK


325 posted on 07/15/2006 8:15:09 AM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 324 | View Replies]

To: fortunecookie
What about Finches named Dennis?

... or Quimby?
Love that show.

326 posted on 07/15/2006 8:20:23 AM PDT by rvoitier (Conservatives are from Mars, Liberals are from Uranus.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Dark Knight

"I loved your last post.

It has all the intellectual power of a grade school tirade. "

Look, if you can't post with even a modicum of maturity, please don't bother posting to me anymore.

Have a nice day.


327 posted on 07/15/2006 8:31:27 AM PDT by CarolinaGuitarman (Gas up your tanks!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 318 | View Replies]

To: CarolinaGuitarman

You are a funny guy!

Did you even think about your post? Did you compare it to other posts I've made.

You insulted me. I came back at you, but I also included succinct arguments to chew on.

You weren't up to the task.

You're just impotent on this subject.

Go whine somewhere where your feelings won't get hurt.

Are you really a guitar person, or just a drummer?

DK


328 posted on 07/15/2006 9:02:25 AM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 327 | View Replies]

To: Dark Knight
Bye. I'm not biting anymore; look for someone else to troll.

I'll let you get the last word you so desperately need.
329 posted on 07/15/2006 9:06:27 AM PDT by CarolinaGuitarman (Gas up your tanks!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 328 | View Replies]

To: CarolinaGuitarman
BASIC Troll Program

100 Locate new crevo thread
110 Cruise thread for an evo's post
120 Post reply: "Evolution is trash. You're an idiot. Call me when a bird turns into a toad."
125 If evo replies, hit abuse button.
130 If thread is moved to Chat or Backroom, GOTO 100.
135 Cruise thread for another evo's post
140 Post reply: "Evolution is only a theory. All evos are atheists. Hitler loved Darwin."
145 If evo replies, hit abuse button.
150 If thread is moved to Chat or Backroom, GOTO 100.
155 Cruise thread for another evo's post
160 Post reply: "Go back to DU. Evolution is nonsense. Stop bashing my religion."
165 If evo replies, hit abuse button.
170 If thread is moved to Chat or Backroom, GOTO 100.
175 Cruise thread for another evo's post
180 Post reply: [randomly selected text from creationist website].
185 If evo replies, hit abuse button.
190 If thread is moved to Chat or Backroom, GOTO 100.
195 GOTO 110

330 posted on 07/15/2006 9:12:32 AM PDT by PatrickHenry (The Enlightenment gave us individual rights, free enterprise, and the theory of evolution.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 329 | View Replies]

To: PatrickHenry

Captain, there be trolls here?


331 posted on 07/15/2006 9:21:04 AM PDT by Coyoteman (I love the sound of beta decay in the morning!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 330 | View Replies]

To: CarolinaGuitarman
Thanks for your graciousness.

You insulted me. Remember?

Now you back away. What a lion heart you are.

Call everyone that disagrees with you a troll. It will make your life easier. You misrepresented me, you misquoted me, and you mischaracharized me.

You really need a mirror before you post again.

DK

This was fun...next!
332 posted on 07/15/2006 9:22:01 AM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 329 | View Replies]

To: PatrickHenry

And they always have to get the last word.


333 posted on 07/15/2006 9:31:43 AM PDT by CarolinaGuitarman (Gas up your tanks!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 330 | View Replies]

To: CarolinaGuitarman

Sorry I frightened you.

Maybe you need to go to a Disneyland thread.

You insulted me, remember?

DK


334 posted on 07/15/2006 9:36:43 AM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 333 | View Replies]

Comment #335 Removed by Moderator

To: Dark Knight
What nonsense. Ring species are a hedge. Species interbreeding require more observation not less and biologists have never spent the time nor money to do massive research into interbreeding. They guessed.

Please document this claim.

336 posted on 07/15/2006 11:00:35 AM PDT by Virginia-American
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 315 | View Replies]

To: PatrickHenry

That's sooo BASIC.


337 posted on 07/15/2006 12:34:20 PM PDT by dread78645 (Evolution. A doomed theory since 1859.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 330 | View Replies]

To: dread78645

Hey, I started with an Apple ][, so that's what I know.


338 posted on 07/15/2006 12:56:58 PM PDT by PatrickHenry (The Enlightenment gave us individual rights, free enterprise, and the theory of evolution.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 337 | View Replies]

To: Virginia-American

What, that species interbreeding is more populsr than biologists want to explain?

It's in the definitions. Doh.

DK


339 posted on 07/15/2006 1:11:17 PM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 336 | View Replies]

To: Dark Knight

Lights out, this this thread is done.

DK


340 posted on 07/15/2006 3:19:05 PM PDT by Dark Knight
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 339 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 301-320321-340341-360 ... 541-547 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson