Rob wrote:

> Hi,
> 
> I have a limited understanding of Evolution (A-Level), so please
> excuse me if my understanding is not correct.  I want to know if there
> is any research that discusses the direction of evolution.  Sure as we
> evolve we adapt to best suit the current environment but that isn't to
> say that evolution is a 'good thing' as it is generally assumed?  Just
> because we evolve, it doesn't mean we become a better species, just
> better able to cope with the current environment?  Is statement true?
> 
> Any thoughts appreciated.
> 
> Rob

Hi Rob,

I think you are completely right.
You (and all of us) just need to be careful with the words we choose, and 
possible define them again to avoid confusion.
In the context of your question it is best IMHO to define: 'good thing' and 
'better species' as 'better fit to the environment'.

The problem with the word 'better' is that many people could confuse it with 
something that has to do with our current human moral, allthough I don't 
expect that to happen too much in this NG. :-)


Futhermore, you subject 'Direction of Evolution?' is interesting.
Does evolution has a direction?

Yes and No.
Depends on how your point of view.
Most organism are continuously changing, as is their genepool. Some faster 
than others.
So from that point of view there is a direction. Allthough the word 'change' 
is more appropriate.

And No if you read 'Direction of Evolution?' as some sort a Plan. 
There is no Plan as in: "If I first develop some ventricles over there, I 
can later develop some airbags to breathe air."

It is important to keep realizing that every mutation must have a immediate 
possitive effect to be called succesfull.
If some mutation doesn't have any effect for that spieces in that certain 
environment, it can also survive (= stay in the genepool).

If you need a whole string of mutations to achieve some great effect, the 
chances for that happening are almost zero. So evolution (mutations) always 
build on the current design and makes adjustments.


Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Erwin Moller
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