Nice how you manage to slip Darwin and evolution into so many essays. :-)
"I have seen criticisms of Darwinian evolution on the grounds that random mutation will not produce the level of order we see in the biosphere within the observed time-frames. But the selection processes are not random: the search for strategies of survival and reproduction themselves have an ordering effect. Indeed, it fairly clearly creates selection for increased complexity." Are you saying that complexity increases survivability? Perhaps, with increased phenotype complexity, there is more "sticking power" to not alter an enhancement back to the previous mean or baseline? [aka regression to the mean?] So more rapid selection towards improved survivability? Because there are more opportunities* for other genes to mutate, but those mutations don't impact that particular selection path? And conversely, a mutation in a complex form working against survivability will more rapidly cause that life line to die out? Thus leaving the more successful path to carry forward.
*But I thought I read somewhere that there is not a direct correlation between genetic complexity (# of genes/ chromosomes) and phenotype complexity?
Since you are in the Medieval history business, I hope you can take some of your travel and touring expenses as business expense deductions on your taxes ??? :-) Does Australian law follow elements of US law in that regard?
“ Are you saying that complexity increases survivability?”. Complexity increases the range of possible niches, but you need filters so it is worth investing in the complexity. And it is phenotype complexity I am referring to. As I understand it, we are not notably genetically more complex than earthworms.
Ditto on RC's comment.
Nice how you manage to slip Darwin and evolution into so many essays. :-)
"I have seen criticisms of Darwinian evolution on the grounds that random mutation will not produce the level of order we see in the biosphere within the observed time-frames. But the selection processes are not random: the search for strategies of survival and reproduction themselves have an ordering effect. Indeed, it fairly clearly creates selection for increased complexity." Are you saying that complexity increases survivability? Perhaps, with increased phenotype complexity, there is more "sticking power" to not alter an enhancement back to the previous mean or baseline? [aka regression to the mean?] So more rapid selection towards improved survivability? Because there are more opportunities* for other genes to mutate, but those mutations don't impact that particular selection path? And conversely, a mutation in a complex form working against survivability will more rapidly cause that life line to die out? Thus leaving the more successful path to carry forward.
*But I thought I read somewhere that there is not a direct correlation between genetic complexity (# of genes/ chromosomes) and phenotype complexity?
Since you are in the Medieval history business, I hope you can take some of your travel and touring expenses as business expense deductions on your taxes ??? :-) Does Australian law follow elements of US law in that regard?
“ Are you saying that complexity increases survivability?”. Complexity increases the range of possible niches, but you need filters so it is worth investing in the complexity. And it is phenotype complexity I am referring to. As I understand it, we are not notably genetically more complex than earthworms.
Yes, it’s a research trip. And thank you.
Wonderful observations and writing over the whole series.