Evolution of the genetic code Re: DNA sequence space

Cornelius Hunter wrote:

> Terry, Ted (toward bottom):
>
>
>>
>> What I mean is "Could the code have come into being by other than
>> "special" divine action?
>
>
> This is a remarkable claim. The DNA code is resistant to change and
> this, we are to believe, is a key argument *for* evolution. In fact,
> if the code is resistant to change, then science is telling us it did
> not evolve, not that it did evolve.

Cornelius confuses two concepts. DNA being resistant to change NOW and
DNA being able to evolve. Of course, there is no doubt that in present
days DNA is resistant to evolution for good reasons but the question is
not: is DNA presently resistant to evolution but rather did DNA evolve
and the answer to this is a strong yes, as supported by empirical,
theoretical and experimental data.

Cornelius claims about what are 'surprises' for evolution fail to
appreciate the actual scientific arguments in question and are best
formulated as "surprising to Cornelius".

Evolution of the genetic code is extremely well explained on such
websites as

http://evolvingcode.net/ where such researchers like Freeland present
their findings. Others who have contributed in this area include Knight
at http://bayes.colorado.edu/ or Landweber. The evidence is layed out
and explained in quite laymen terms in the various presentations and
scientific papers on these websites. A true treasure cove for those
interested in the evolution of the genetic code.
Received on Sat Oct 1 17:31:51 2005