by publius
Pew released a new poll outlining a gap between scientists and the general public on various issues. There's a lot to chew on, but these numbers in particular stood out:
First thought -- isn't 87% a bit low for scientists' belief in natural selection? I would hope that number is close to 100%. But regardless, it's nothing compared to the general public's depressing numbers. Apparently only 32% believe in natural selection. I mean, really? In 2009? 32%? Good lord.
And then we have the global warming numbers. Roughly half the public disagrees with the overwhelming scientific consensus that humans are contributing to global warming.
It's all very depressing. And it just goes to show that sustained, systematic efforts of fraud and lying can indeed pay dividends. It also shows the harm the media inflicts when it doesn't expose and push back on demonstrably false statements, which includes virtually everything that Senator Inhofe says.
That every mutation must be of immediate adavantage is a common misconception. It is only relevant that is not of serious disadvantage at the time. And there are still a lot of 'dormant' traits in the DNA that occasionally surface as atavisms (rudimentary gills, full body hair, multiple nipples etc.) that under certain circumstances could be beneficial (we might need those gills sooner than we would like ;-) ) but currently are not.
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There can be of course never be a proof that there is no divine entity pushing evolution subtly into a certain direction. On the other hand it is possible that one day we'll find out that we are just the school science project of some higher-dimensional teenager with mediocre talent.
Posted by: Hartmut | July 12, 2009 at 05:18 AM
Yes. Different from me, too. Come to think of it, I'm different from you, genetically.
Yeah: not what you meant. I know.
Posted by: Slartibartfast | July 12, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Entirely possible that I missed someone else's link here, but just in case:
Horizontal gene transfer. Considering there might be (and have always been) a little more random change/adaptation in lower-level organisms did wonders for my convictions about evolution.
Natural selection, please share the stage.
Posted by: k p | July 12, 2009 at 04:43 PM