http://www.physorg.com/news76866274.html
While this should quell the IDers to some degree, I have grave doubts that reason will prevail. This is the evolution of the (scientific, not common) theory of evolution; gaps being filled but the underlying foundations remaining rock solid.
Physfan
Why would this shut up the ID people? Gene-swapping may not be the same as mutations, but it still sounds like a random process to me. It would have the same failings that mutations have. I will not deny that it could contribute to the isolation of a small population and produce some inbreeding, but that takes us back to mutations again.
Actually, the ID people are raving happily at this news over at Uncommon Descent. I'm not sure why - all this crap is beyond me. But, there you go - this isn't quelling the ID folks. It's encouraging them.
Interesting article Physfan. 
I wonder if the gene jumping is viable for species other than fruit flies?
Still don't subscribe to Darwin tho!
The problem I have with evolutionary theory, is, that if adaptations come about because they aid the survival of a species, then why does a dairy cow produce more milk than is needed for one calf?
Surely this would be a disadvantage, as producing extra milk is taxing for the cow, and not the best way to stay alive. There is no adavantage for the cow that I can perceive.
Even if humans selected the highest producing cows and bred from them to create todays dairy herds, you still can't turn a beef type cow into a dairy cow with selective breeding.
A dairy cow is basically a stomach on legs, which is designed to produce milk efficiently, whereas a beef cow is a large muscled animal which produces a small quantity of milk, and a larger quantity of meat. [Also a dairy cow is a quiet, biddable animal, and a beef cow is often harder to handle.]
Rather convenient for us, tho,isn't it?
I must add at this point I am not religious or an ID er. Though parts of the theory hold appeal for me.
I wonder if the gene jumping is viable for species other than fruit flies?
Still don't subscribe to Darwin tho!
The problem I have with evolutionary theory, is, that if adaptations come about because they aid the survival of a species, then why does a dairy cow produce more milk than is needed for one calf?
Surely this would be a disadvantage, as producing extra milk is taxing for the cow, and not the best way to stay alive. There is no adavantage for the cow that I can perceive.
Even if humans selected the highest producing cows and bred from them to create todays dairy herds, you still can't turn a beef type cow into a dairy cow with selective breeding.
A dairy cow is basically a stomach on legs, which is designed to produce milk efficiently, whereas a beef cow is a large muscled animal which produces a small quantity of milk, and a larger quantity of meat. [Also a dairy cow is a quiet, biddable animal, and a beef cow is often harder to handle.]
Rather convenient for us, tho,isn't it?
I must add at this point I am not religious or an ID er. Though parts of the theory hold appeal for me.