I'm curious about genetic similarities between all life on earth (including plants and animals). For me one of the most convincing reasons to believe in evolution would be similarities in the genetic code of animals that currently look similar, and as similarity decreased, so would the genetic code. This is explained by evolution because from a common ancestor, genetic mutations would become different over time. Most of the differences would occur in DNA that wasn't essential to the survival of the species (it's easier to tinker with non-essential aspects of a system).
Essential systems, however, over time should remain relatively constant. I remember reading somewhere (i can't remember exactly) that cows and pea plants (including all other life on earth) share a common sequence of DNA that codes for the splitting of mitochondria.
I'm almost positive my above example is wrong in some way, so i was wondering if someone could correct my example. Is there a sequence of DNA that is found in most (if not all) life on earth that codes for a specific process that we know about?
Creationists talk about how no matter how many times dogs have offspring, the offspring will always be dogs. They also comment that regardless of how similar the genetic code between chimps and humans are different "kinds". my second question is what are the respective genetic differences between very dissimilar dogs (lets say st. bernards and chihuahuas... but i'll take anything really) and chimps and humans?
I think creationists would predict the genetic differences in dogs (the same kind) would be LESS than the genetic differences in chimps and humans (different kinds).
unless they see no correlation at all between genetic code and kinds... but i would still like to know the answer.
[This message has been edited by TheoMorphic, 10-28-2003]