RE: Evolutionary Theories of Religion
August 4, 2015 at 10:55 pm
(This post was last modified: August 4, 2015 at 10:57 pm by Whateverist.)
(August 4, 2015 at 10:41 pm)lkingpinl Wrote:(August 4, 2015 at 6:37 pm)Clueless Morgan Wrote: No prob. The recurrent laryngeal nerve is my favorite example of Stupid Design
Forget the fact that the longer left RLN works in perfect harmony with the right, but the most logical reason is that the RLN design is due to developmental constraints. Eminent embryologist Professor Erich Blechschmidt wrote that the recurrent laryngeal nerve's seemingly poor design in adults is due to the "necessary consequences of developmental dynamics." 1
The embryology 'devo' side of evolution fascinates me but I'm not sure what you're saying here, kingy. In this case, don't the "necessary consequences of developmental dynamics" just come down to the fact that the pre-existing platform on which the organism is based simply can't simply re-route the laryngeal nerve in order to elongate the neck more simply. It is the greater reach leading to more available feed which is feeding back on individuals and rendering longer necked individuals more fit and abundant for mating. The underlying platform of the organism can basically be altered by changing the number or the magnitude of the component parts. In the giraffe's case it was the latter. The laryngeal nerve just came along for the ride, having no bearing on the fitness and availability for mating. Of course, if the length of the nerve had actually had a deleterious effect, the longer neck individuals might not have had and advantage and giraffes as we know them might just have been one more gazelle like creature among many.
I find it fascinating that you have embraced evolution as a protestant. Good on you.
