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To: PugetSoundSoldier
How about the fact we have bacteria that now metabolise man-made chemicals and products, and that these bacteria have developed new "organs" for such metabolizing? Does that not count for an organism adapting and evolving to better survive in its environment?

So the bacteria evolved in a purposeful manner? The bacteria developed new organs for a specific purpose? Is this a result of a guided intelligent process or just some extremely good luck? Do you know if the ability to metabolize new chemicals is the result of transposable DNA being activated in the presence of a new food source?

118 posted on 06/14/2008 2:40:00 PM PDT by Tramonto (Huckabee FairTax Huckabee FairTax Huckabee FairTax)
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To: Tramonto
So the bacteria evolved in a purposeful manner?

Purposeful for the bacteria who can now thrive on a new food source - absolutely. It can now thrive and reduce competition with other non-nylon-eating bugs. Is it purposeful for my BBQ this evening? Heck no...:)

The bacteria developed new organs for a specific purpose?

Yes. Well, the equivalent of an organ for bacteria. Much like changes in the "brain" of a worm really is more in what we'd call a spinal column for anything else. But yes, new organs and enzymes for metabolizing the man-made materials.

Is this a result of a guided intelligent process or just some extremely good luck?

Don't know, but it is a sign of evolution. Whether it was intelligently designed to happen that way, or extremely good luck, or adaption I can't say for 100%. But it is a sign of evolution. A new species with new "organs" arising in response to a brand new food source.

Do you know if the ability to metabolize new chemicals is the result of transposable DNA being activated in the presence of a new food source?

Haven't a clue. Considering it includes new metabolizing pathways, I'd say it's a pretty significant mutation of the DNA.

Go read the link I posted, and follow up on the references. These are hard-core biological research papers, and you'll find quite a bit of information.

Is this absolute prove that evolution is 100% the only way life arose on Earth? No! But it is pretty strong proof that evolution - a change in physical characteristics and functionality in response to the environment - acutally happens.

121 posted on 06/14/2008 2:50:24 PM PDT by PugetSoundSoldier (Indignation over the sting of truth is the defense of the indefensible)
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