To: so_real
194 posted on
09/11/2008 5:19:12 PM PDT by
allmendream
(If "the New Yorker" makes a joke, and liberals don't get it, is it still funny?)
To: allmendream
"Rio Linda" ... Very cool! Thanks for filling me in.
"It would not, however, undergo a change in genetic makeup"
I did say that, didn't I. And, as we pursue the details, that comment does lack necessary specificity. I see your point.
Sorry for my delay in responding -- I had a bit of work to do :-) You asked what I meant by genetic makeup if not the organism's DNA code. Fair question, and certainly DNA is the sandbox where mutation occurs. In order to fully respond, we would first have to discuss the hypothesis of Natural Genetic Engineering. Then I would raise the subordinate hypothesis that perhaps all possible morphological changes potential to a bacterium are pre-programmed into its instruction set. Thus, there is an extent to which the organism can change in response to various stresses. (This is contradictory to the opinion held by Dr. Shapiro, et al. I am not putting words into their mouths. I'm only stating an alternative hypothesis exists for which support exists in observation.) Then we could discuss how this could be tested and whether such testing would be conclusive or not.
I guess the point is, going back to the thread article, that no one with an interest in the science is "Too Dumb to Understand Evolution". We can engage in intelligent discourse from either point of view. And monocular viewpoints combined with arrogant elitism from either side is unacceptable to the debate -- my opinion only. And thank you for having a strong opinion yet courteous dialog!
466 posted on
09/15/2008 11:39:41 AM PDT by
so_real
("The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.")
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