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Author Topic:   Do you really understand the ToE?
nwr
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Posts: 6412
From: Geneva, Illinois
Joined: 08-08-2005
Member Rating: 5.3


Message 15 of 19 (356311)
10-13-2006 12:59 PM
Reply to: Message 14 by pesto
10-13-2006 12:03 PM


Re: Let's get to the questions
Lets start suggesting questions for the test. Here's my start.
Okay. I'll take the test as it is now given, to see how it goes.
  • Are an individual's physical traits determined by their DNA?
    No.
  • Are physical traits passed from one generation to the next via DNA?
    No.
  • Do mutations occur?
    Yes.
  • Can a mutation result in a new physical trait?
    I'll pass on that question.
  • Do physical traits help determine whether an individual will survive and reproduce?
    "Help determine" is a poor choice of words. In ordinary usage, "help" implies something about intentions.
    I'll tentatively answer: No.
  • If a physical trait is beneficial to survival and reproduction, will that trait become more common in successive generations?
    I'll pass on that one, too.
  • If a physical trait is detrimental to survival and reproduction, will that trait become less common in successive generations?
    Yet another pass.
  • Will different traits be beneficial in different environments?
  • Yes. And that's why the two preceding questions are bad, and why I gave them a pass.
    The questions are too simplistic. The DNA determines proteins, not traits. You have ignored the complex interactions with the environment, and that many traits depend on multiple genes.
    Okay, so I am being picky. But there is a reason. Many creationists have learned a strawman version of evolution. The strawman version would probably be enough for them to come up with what you intended to take as the correct answers. To be useful, a test has to distinguish between a decent understanding of evolution and the strawman version.

    Compassionate conservatism - bringing you a kinder, gentler torture chamber
    This message is a reply to:
     Message 14 by pesto, posted 10-13-2006 12:03 PM pesto has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 16 by pesto, posted 10-13-2006 1:45 PM nwr has seen this message but not replied

      
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