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From: lew@ihuxr.UUCP (Lew Mammel, Jr.)
Newsgroups: net.origins
Subject: Re: baloney
Message-ID: <1197@ihuxr.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 24-Sep-84 18:43:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxr.1197
Posted: Mon Sep 24 18:43:15 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Sep-84 07:24:23 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 20

Rich Hammond suggested that similar functions being performed by similar
molecules in distinct but similar animal/plant groups can be taken as
the outcome of a reasonble Creator's actions, as well as evidence of a
common origin.

This is ok as far as it goes, but there is a lot more to it. This broaches
the subject of homologous versus analagous organs, which Gould discusses in
"The Panda's Thumb".   Said thumb is actually a development of the wrist
bone.  It makes sense in an evolutionary theory since it developed after
the five digits were already in an advanced paw configuration. The 
opportunity for an opposing thumb had passed, and this wrist bone
development occurred instead.

Evolution provides a framework within which thousands of such anomalies
can be understood as part of a natural pattern. I don't think that
speculations on why the Creator made this sixth appendage out of the
homologue of the wrist bone, rather than just giving the the panda a
tried and true hand, can be counted as theory in the same way.

	Lew Mammel, Jr. ihnp4!ihuxr!lew