OK Mokenstick, this is very good evidence of common descent!
Why (for the uninitiated)? Creationists argue (quite rightly IMO) that homology is evidence for a common creator as much as for common descent. However when this homology persists for degraded genes (non-functional pseudogenes) then, in isolation, this evidence would clearly favour common descent.
The creationist alternatives are:
1. These genes are not really pseudogenes - they have some function even though they are relaed to another gene.
2. Horizontal transfer of pseudogenes (ie it is known that DNA sequences can be passed between organisms and become part of the inherited genome)
3. Some natural agent preferentially changed the DNA bases at the same positions.
4. A supernatural agent preferentially changed the DNA bases at the same positions.
I probably favour option #4. When man disobeyed, Genesis describes a curse that caused man to become mortal, frustrated his work and brought pain durin childbirth. As with everything God has done I believe this curse is manifest at spiritual, mental and physical levels. That is the sort of God he is. And of course this new found mortality would have genomic repercusions. Scripture says that He 'submitted the world to futility' in expectation that this cross-like process would bring a 'new man' through Christ. So whether it was Satan, God or a natural agent I am unsure but I link it to the curse.
PS - you're a very good bioinformatician Monkenstick but your first post was a shocker!
[This message has been edited by Tranquility Base, 08-06-2002]