First, I'm not argueing with the validity of sequence inference. It has a
place in evolutionary knowlege.
I was wondering how sequence homology tells us anything if we do not at
first assume a priori that natural selection has occured or if we dont
first assume a branched evolutionary scheme. An obvious first question to
ask is if the assumption upon which the inference is drawn is correct and
valid. Inference of any kind can be dubious, especially in science
because of the high stakes the public seems to put on its reliability
(example: the gay gene.)In additon bias becomes a reality. But this is not
my question.
Nucleotide sequence dictates structure and by default function of the
protein. Cytocrome c in general has the same function in the resus monkey
and in the human. I would guess that your transporter in general has the
same function in one species than it does in the next. What I am wondering
is does sequence homology necessarily tell us where we came from if we do
not first assume the brancing to occur. It seems to be a bit of a circle
if we use the homology to prove the branching and then assume branching
in order to give credance to the homology.
In addition, I have heard the avid creationist make the argument that God
can use a #10 bolt wherever one is needed in all related species. God as
designer uses the parts he as already designed just as the Dodge engineer
uses the same #10 bolt to hold the intripid or the neon engine to the
motor mount.( I have recently had troubles with my neon). Although by
definition this is out of the realm of science,It still is an interesting
question worthy of comment by some of you prolific responders out there.
JONT>
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The woods are lovely, dark and deep. | Jonathan D. Thompson
But I have promises to keep, | jthomps1@d.umn.edu
And miles to go before I sleep, | http://www.d.umn.edu/~jthomps1
And miles to go before I sleep. |
Robert Frost |
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Education is the most powerful ally of Humanism, and every American public
school is a school of Humanism. What can the theistic Sunday Schools,
meeting for an hour once a week,and teaching only a fraction of the
children do to stem the tide of a five-day program of Humanistic teaching?
Charles Francis Potter
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