Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxr.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!ihuxr!lew 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