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Ready, Steady, Evolve

Stront writes "New Scientist is reporting that plants and animals can 'bottle up' evolution until they need it. A certain protein 'hides away' mutated genes acting like a genetic valet, however in extreme environments, such as high temperature or noxious chemicals, the cleaning process breaks down and the mutations are released all at once. This goes some way to explaining examples that are considered to defy standard evolutionary theory, such as the Bombardier Beetle."

11 of 794 comments (clear)

  1. "thinking" by squaretorus · · Score: 4, Funny

    According to evolutionary "thinking" there must have been thousands of generations of beetles improperly mixing these hazardous chemicals in fatal evolutionary experiments, blowing themselves to pieces. Eventually. we are assured, they arrived at the magic formula, but what about the development of the inhibitor?

    Never trust any arguement that has to resort to putting thinking in quotes! Especially if the word 'god' is on the same page!

  2. Such a subtle mechanism by gowen · · Score: 1, Funny

    This mechanism is so subtle, it is surely proof of an intelligent designer. That being the case, there is no need for evolution at all, so the mechanism itself clearly doesn't exist...

    Damn, I appear to be trapped in a maze of circular logic.

    --
    Athletic Scholarships to universities make as much sense as academic scholarships to sports teams.
    1. Re:Such a subtle mechanism by Yokaze · · Score: 5, Funny

      > This mechanism is so subtle, it is surely proof of an intelligent designer

      OTOH, we are so dumb, this is surely a proof that there is no designer.

      Furthermore, people are so dumb, that the universe must be a bad dream I'm having, and other people are just an imagination or representations of myself.

      I must stop talking to myself.

      --
      "Between strong and weak, between rich and poor [...], it is freedom which oppresses and the law which sets free"
  3. Pokemon/TMNT by jeek · · Score: 3, Funny

    Of course, the mutations are also released when your Pokemon hits a certain level (depending on the Pokemon), or is exposed one of several rare stones, or even becomes extremely attached to its trainer.

    Shredder has many vials of a substance called "Mutagen" that can also release these mutations.

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  4. Creationism by pubjames · · Score: 2, Funny


    This type of topic on Slashdot always creates lots of posts bashing Creationists. Because of this, I would like to give you a rational, logical expanation about the beliefs of Creationists, to dispel the ignorance displayed here on Slashdot.

    What is a Creationist?
    A Creationist believes that living things were designed and created by God, rather than a process such as evolution.

    So God is a designer and creator?
    Yes, this is fundamental to the beliefs of Creationists.

    What is God? An old man with a big white beard?
    That's just silly. God is everywhere, he is a spirit. You can't see him.

    You said God was a designer and creator. Why?
    Sorry?

    What's he do it for?
    Erm. What? Oh I know this one! You mustn't question the doings of God, they are unexplainable by mere mortals?

    So this invisible and unexplainable thing you call God created all living creatures, but you can't explain why?
    You must have faith.

    And you think that's a more sensible explanation of life on Earth than evoluton?
    I've got my faith. I don't have to question it.

    So what about the fossil record? Did God create that?
    [Hands on ears] La la la la la la la la...

  5. Therefore, the Supreme Creator loves war by ch-chuck · · Score: 2, Funny

    All I can say is if the defense mechanism of the beetle was created by an intelligent designer, with blueprints and all, like Slartibartfast or something, S/he/it must be having a ball. "Ok, we/I create these things that eat beetles, but on the other hand lets make the beetle so it squirts hot crap in the predators face so it really has to work for it's dinner!! Won't that be a rip!!! Hehehe. Then let's make these humans have to toil away for their food also, and blame all their troubles on, hmmm, SIN! Yeah, that's the ticket, they used to live a life of eternal luxery in a fantastic garden but because of this 'sin' thing the now have to slave away to get food, shelter and clothing. Then we'll make those who beleive that stuff work against those who are trying to alleviate suffering, yeah, this'll keep those 'humans' hopelessly confused, just the way I designed it!!"

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  6. Analogy to software projects by jukal · · Score: 5, Funny
    however in extreme environments, such as high temperature or noxious chemicals, the cleaning process breaks down and the mutations are released all at once

    however in extreme environments, such as day before the deadline, the manager process breaks down and all the kludges are released all at once.

  7. just look at your friends by one_who_uses_unix · · Score: 2, Funny

    If you doubt the theory of evolution just take at your friends (I am addressing geeks on this one). Their bodies are already adapting to their environment:
    - the most highly tuned muscles in their bodies are their hands/fingers (how many geeks have "hardbodies"?)
    - most wear glasses (what is there to see more than 18 inches away?)
    - they do not use vocal speech effectively (excluding expletvies that are equally applied to machines and other humans)
    - have you seen the children of real geeks!

    Wait! you complain - I know some exceptions to these observations. Of course you do - they are by definition not real geeks, or will be culled from the herd over time.

    I can't wait to see what people look like 1000 years from now - extra fingers?, permanent near sightedness?, no legs?

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    KK4SFV
  8. Re:Question for creationists by B1ackDragon · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think they were put there by the guy who designed the planet. Didn't he get an award for Finland (help me out here) or something? Lots of fjords I think?

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    The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches. -- ee cummings
  9. Eureka, the missing step! by deepchasm · · Score: 2, Funny

    New Scientist is reporting that plants and animals can 'bottle up' evolution until they need it.

    1. Find these animals.
    2. Put the evolution in real bottles.
    3. Sell it.
    4. PROFIT !!!
  10. Re:Hmm... Think StarShip Troopers !! by Tuna_Shooter · · Score: 2, Funny

    I wonder of these bugs are related to the bugs on StarShip Troopers ??

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    *--- Sometimes a majority only means that all the fools are on the same side. ---*