Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Genetic Convergent Evolution: Stunning Gene Similarities Among Diverse Animals

Posted by Soulskill on from the science-is-beautiful dept.

Toe, The writes "It has long been understood that completely different animals can end up with very similar traits (convergent evolution), and even that genes can converge. But a new study shows an unbelievable level of convergence among entire groups of genes. The study shows that animals as diverse as bats and dolphins, which independently developed echolocation, converge in nearly 200 different genomic regions concentrated in several 'hearing genes.' The implications are rather deep, if you think about it, delving into interesting limitations on diversity or insights into the potential of DNA. And perhaps more importantly, this finding goes a long way toward explaining why almost aliens in the universe look surprisingly identical to humans (though still doesn't explain why they all speak English)."

4 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. Dolphins and Bats are Mammals by MightyYar · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Not to pooh-pooh this study, but dolphins and bats aren't as far apart as say, bats and moths. If a fish or reptile converged with a mammal that would be more "unbelievable". I think we're in "Oh, cool," territory more than "WHAT????"

    --
    W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
  2. What I've said all along by dorpus · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I got my PhD in statistical genetics. Why should we equate genetic homology to evolutionary homology? All these studies that speak of a hypothetical Adam or Eve assume that the same mutations could not have arisen independently in different parts of the world.

  3. Re:Random (letter) selection by reve_etrange · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Only it's entirely credible. That is entire premise of a peer-reviewed publication.

    You know your argument is worthless when it hinges entirely on nitpicking common expressions.

    --
    .: Semper Absurda :.
  4. Re:English by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Now some would try and argue that that ability made humans the fittest, and in a way it is true, but it is not what is meant by the phrase survival of the fittest.

    You're wrong. This is, in fact, exactly what is meant by "survival of the fittest," and exactly what Darwin meant by it. He said that organisms that were selected by evolution were those best suited for surviving in their immediate environment. And in this case, cooperative humans were the best suited for survival - ergo, they survived and flourished.