[Alter Kaker]

In any event, the probability of two independat processes both occuring is even more damning for your side, don't you think?

Actually, there aren't two processes, there are four (selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift). But they aren't independent. They are directly interrelated. Mutation is random on the individual level, but it is guided by natural selection, which is inherently non-random and purpose-driven.

[b_sharp]

"Actually, there aren't two processes, there are four (selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift). But they aren't independent. They are directly interrelated. Mutation is random on the individual level, but it is guided by natural selection, which is inherently non-random and purpose-driven."

Mutation itself isn't truly random. It occurs more frequently in some parts of the genome than in others. More pseudo-random than strictly random.

[js1138]

Mutation is random on the individual level, but it is guided by natural selection, which is inherently non-random and purpose-driven.

I'm not happy with your choice of words. Selection is not purposive in the usual sense of the word. It doesn't have a goal or direction. It's a difficult distinction and one that seems to elude understanding, just as the invisible hand of economics eludes easy understanding.

[Elsie]

Mutation is random on the individual level, but it is guided by natural selection, which is inherently non-random and purpose-driven.