Evolvability

Tim Ikeda (tikeda@sprintmail.hormel.com)
Wed, 02 Jun 1999 21:57:36 -0400

Bertvan writes:

[big snip...]
> [...] The Darwinists are already claiming "evolvability" is a
> trait which itself evolved--by random mutation and natural
> selection, I suppose.

The evolution of evolvability is an idea that has been bounced
around for some time. Polyketide synthesis provides a possible
example and personally, I don't see why some "evolution-promoting"
mechanisms couldn't evolve. I can imagine how evolvability may
be selected indirectly.

The general question is: How generalized is this phenomenon?

> (Old ideas don't just fade away; their supporters die off.)

And others change there minds when presented with valid reasons
to do so.

Regards,
Tim Ikeda
tikeda@sprintmail.hormel.com (despam address before use)