Evolution: more gaps in foraminifera (Evolution)

by David Turell @, Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 15:14 (1984 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: Very complex article, but it shows that another species, like the whales, have huge gaps between phenotypes. Nothing looks gradual in evolution. Gaps always demand consideration of design.

quote: The researchers think either of two post-Darwinian theories could describe the rapid changes they observed: punctuated equilibrium and quantum evolution. Punctuated equilibrium describes short bursts and subsequent steady periods of morphological change within a lineage. The theory of quantum evolution describes broader, rapid splits into new families, orders, and classes. If the theory fits, the researchers have potentially observed quantum evolution at a species level for the first time. In either case, the researchers believe previous theories of gradual evolution in foram lineages need reassessment.

DAVID: It is best to abandon Darwin's theory of evolution, because staying with his presumptions slows real research.

dhw: It is best not to abandon a whole theory because you disagree with a part of that theory. I agree that it is best to abandon Darwin’s theory that evolution only proceeds gradually and nature does not make jumps. Even his "bulldog" Huxley disagreed with him, so what's new?

All that is left of Darwin is some form of common descent, and Tony disagrees with that.


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