Re: >RE: What does ID mean?
David Campbell (bivalve@mailserv0.isis.unc.edu)
Mon, 20 Apr 1998 11:41:42 -0400>That would be the case if the genetic code were just a sequence of
>bases in static entropic equilibrium, like a string of numbers on
>sheet of paper. But it is nothing like that as we know. It is rather
>a super dynamic system which "maintains" entropic equilibrium in time
>against all odds, even during its own replications; and therefore, it
>resembles more something designed than randomly produced.
Will Provine's post on chance and necessity ties into this. In contrast to
Will, I have encountered claims that evolution is real and is basically
"chance". However, this is not the case. Many departures from the
existing DNA sequence result in the death of the organism and are thus
eliminated from passing on. Many have no significant impact on the
organism, and some have beneficial effects. The maintenance of the
sequence is thus not as surprising as "chance" would be.
David C.