21st June 2014
Rapid artificial evolution (genetic modification) of wolves into 400 types of dogs: man-made selection
Chanced upon this vide which demonstrates both how natural selection can be very rapid (wolves converted into dogs in a matter of a few generations) and how artificial man-made selection can super-impose on natural selections to create amazing "unnatural" results.
See also this article.
One key point: the SIZE OF THE BRAIN shrinks during the transformation from wolf to dog, because the wolf needs to assess far more complex environments, whereas the dog is a docile pet, with assured food supply. Intelligence is a function of a CHALLENGING environment.
I recall reading somewhere that our own brain has been rapidly evolving. Did the Indian caste system lead to such effects – apart from the eugenic effects I have already referred to? This also matches my theory of relationship between freedom and IQ, outlined in BFN (most of this particular discussion is in the online notes): if a person is not free, has a permanently lower status, will never get a challenging upbringing with puzzles/ books, then the brain would tend to shrink.
Evolution can take place much faster than most of think. This is a key learning.
I disagree with your claim that dog breeds are proof of the wonders of evolution.
Most of the dog breeds are plagued with degenerative diseases. These dogs are alive only because humans want them to exist. In the wild, most breeds will fail to compete with the wolves. NO new function has been produced. Most differences are due to small changes in hox genes.
Here is Dr Lonnig on dog breeds as proof of evolution:
http://intelligentdesign.podomatic.com/entry/2013-02-01T17_41_14-08_00
http://intelligentdesign.podomatic.com/entry/2013-02-04T16_57_07-08_00
He summarizes all the defects dogs suffer from breeding.
Well, the so-called “gaps” in sciene (even assuming they are gaps) are nothing compared with the GAPING HOLE the size of the universe in all alternative theories. You pick “holes” that can be readily filled with even a modicum of analysis, but the hole in your argument (that there’s a “god” who is busy assembling the details) has ZERO evidence. Look into the mirror (if you don’t like studying and contributing to science). Ask yourself: What’s the proof of “my” theory (intelligent design? God? whatever other mumbo jumbo). Then come back – till then people like you are merely wasting my time and I will zap all such nonsense that is posted on evolution.