> Peppered moths are *NOT* the only example of natural selection observed in
> nature.
Indeed not. Their significance is that there is a clear link with
changing gene frequencies - something which is largely unresearched
in other cases.
> Some recent studies are showing that melanic forms may be more
> resistant to atmospheric sulphur dioxide concentration. Does that prove
> that predation is not important? Not necessarily. All it shows is that the
> story may be a little more complicated than what people though back in the
> 50s.
Indeed. But it opens the possibility that bird predation may be far
less of a factor than Kettlewell made out - and there is even the
possibility that bird predation is unimportant. The question is: how
do we know? Do we reason our way to a conclusion or do we do the
necessary research?
> Does is show that natural selection is not acting? No. Every
> evolutionist would agree that several different selective forces may act
> simultaneously on a given trait.
And I would suggest that every informed creationist would also take
this position.
> This has been shown in the lab and in the
> field. I gave a good reference that contains lots of studies of natural
> selection. Since the beginning of this discussion several studies of
> natural selection have been described. I haven't seen Art or David
> discussing them.
I'm sure that's not because we are not interested in them. If we can
get agreement that the PM should not be the classic textbook example
of natural selection changing gene frequencies in a population, I am
happy to turn my attention to other things.
> Maybe they hope that, if they can prove that scientists
> were wrong about the peppered moths, they are proving that neodarwinism is
> wrong. I am affraid they'll have to come up with something a little bit
> better. As I said before, as christians we should seek the truth, not our
> own preconceptions of what truth should look like.
Maybe this is not their hope! Maybe they are just trying to wave the
flag for good science.
Best regards,
David J. Tyler.