Back to irreducible complexity (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, February 02, 2010, 14:52 @ David Turell

Shapiro's conclusions below:
The genome DNA record also bears witness to sudden changes that affect
multiple characters at once: horizontal transfer of large DNA segments, cell fusionsand WGDs. These data are not readily compatible with earlier gradualist views on thenature of evolutionary variation. Although there remain many gaps in our knowledge, we are now in a position

to outline a distinctively 21st century scenario for evolutionary change. This 21st century scenario assumes a major role for the kind of cellular

sensitivities and genomic responses emphasized by McClintock in her 1984 Nobel
Prize address [1]. Such a cognitive component is absent from conventional
evolutionary theory because 19th and 20th century evolutionists were not sufficiently knowledgeable about cellular response and control networks. This 21st century viewof evolution establishes a reasonable connection between ecological changes, cell and organism responses, widespread genome restructuring, and the rapid emergence of adaptive inventions.

The following article about a flying reptile definitely supports James Shapiro's theory and findings. Sudden change for half an animal.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8306060.stm