Re: RC: Re: Darwin's Theory

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/8/00 10:56:31 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
danugna@transport.com writes:

<<  It turns out that evolution can and does take
 place in a very short period of time,
 as in under a decade and in some cases just a few years.  >>

You're right that under some circumstances, evolution can take a sudden lurch 
every now and again.

<< As for the changes in the horse, I'd have to agree with you, that's not
 evolution, that's domestication, the selective breeding for certain traits
 by humans.  Oh, and the larger horses might have a similar cause as the
 larger humans, better nutrition. >>

Domestication is a bit different than evolution, in that humans tend to have 
a specific agenda in mind, whereas nature has NO agenda, and survival of a 
species over time depends upon the survival of those who tend to have 
"different" traits that aid them in adapting to different or changing niches. 
 If a small genetic change happens to make a fairly profound difference in 
the ability of the individuals with the change to adapt to a niche (as with 
the Galapagos finches) then indeed, evolution can be VERY rapid!

Heidi