Quetza writes:
The rapidity of molecular change has more to do with levels of ionizing radiation than heat. I readily agree with their observation on the rate, but disagree with their causal explanation.
I don't agree with either their explanations or with your's. Most probably, the raw rate of mutation has nothing to do with it. I would look into an explanation based in the larger number of niches available, and larger number of species to interact with/adapt to, etc...
this possibly creates a more fluid eviroment that leads to a larger number of adaptations.
In other words, more oportunities for mutations to become fixed in the populations. By the way, it may also be due to faster genetic drift due to smaller populations.
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