----------
> From: A Menez <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Rebuttal to "Do Truly Rare Species Exist?"
> Date: Friday, May 14, 1999 9:56 PM
>
You have to remember that the word 'fittest' has a very specific meaning in
evolution. It does not mean fit as in the lay sense. Fitness is measured by
the
amount of progeny an individual produces NOT how healthy, strong etc etc
that
individual is. The term 'survival of the fittest' is a term that has done
more
to confuse the layman about evolutionary thinking than any other. Those
interested will want to read up Fisher's classic work about genetics and
evolution where fitness is given in mathematical terms.
Alex
"Sylvia S. Edwards" wrote:
> I really don't want to start an argument about evolution, but isn't all
> nature based on the survival of the fittest? If I did not believe this,
> then I could not bear the cruel way nature does away with imperfect
species.
>
> Life makes sense only if it has a reason - survival. And does not
survival
> mean that only the fittest should survive?
>
> Sylvia S. Edwards
> Huntsville, Alabama
> [log in to unmask]
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Kurt Auffenberg <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, May 24, 1999 11:37 AM
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Rebuttal to "Do Truly Rare Species Exist?"
> >
> > My only problem with this response is in 4). Of course, this is only
my
> > opinion and I fully realize some listeners may find offense, but ......
> > The fact that Homo sapiens is out-competing most other species on the
> > planet is indeed an evolutionary event, one of monumental proportions.
> > Let's not forget what we are and from whence we came. We are an
amazingly
> > efficient and successful species, arising just a few hundred thousand
> years
> > ago. If another species accomplished what H. sapiens has accomplished
> (and
> > perhaps one has, but I have brain-lock right now) in that brief time,
all
> > behaviorists, evolutionists, etc. would sit back in wonderment and awe.
> >
> > Of course, what goes up, must come down. We'll see what happens.
> >
> > Hugs,
> >
> > Kurt
> >
> > Kurt
> >
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