(September 11, 2014 at 4:33 pm)Pickup_shonuff Wrote: While we're on the the topic of genes, I have a question that will admittedly probably sound naive.
When biologists talk about an "evolutionary arms-race," do they in any sense mean that otherwise generally random gene mutations somehow directly respond to the competition? Like, say, an organism develops an eye spot that would give it such a hunting advantage so as to prospectively eliminate all its competitors; in an "arms-race," would its competitors' offspring also mutate the genes necessary for the allowance of an eye spot or...? How exactly does that work?
Even though it's a fascinating way to put it, I don't like the "Arms race" metaphor because it's quite inaccurate. An arms race is mostly conscious, in fact, and requires an active effort from both parts to actually take place. In an evolutionary context there is no such intentionality though.
To play along with your example, the competitor's offspring, in order to survive, would of course need to fill the genetic disadvantage but it's not necessary that they do in fact emulate the other species'advantage. For instance they might evolve a finer echolocation sense, or better mobility etc.. They might even not evolve anything and just die out. They would basically need a sheer amount of luck.
It bugs me that I'm on my mobile now and I can't really go too much in depth on the subject, but if you are interested just PM me and I'll gladly try to answer your doubts tomorrow
(I'm a student of Biotechnology, just so you know I'm not pulling things outta my ass 
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"Every luxury has a deep price. Every indulgence, a cosmic cost. Each fiber of pleasure you experience causes equivalent pain somewhere else. This is the first law of emodynamics [sic]. Joy can be neither created nor destroyed. The balance of happiness is constant.
Fact: Every time you eat a bite of cake, someone gets horsewhipped.
Facter: Every time two people kiss, an orphanage collapses.
Factest: Every time a baby is born, an innocent animal is severely mocked for its physical appearance. Don't be a pleasure hog. Your every smile is a dagger. Happiness is murder.
Vote "yes" on Proposition 1321. Think of some kids. Some kids."
Fact: Every time you eat a bite of cake, someone gets horsewhipped.
Facter: Every time two people kiss, an orphanage collapses.
Factest: Every time a baby is born, an innocent animal is severely mocked for its physical appearance. Don't be a pleasure hog. Your every smile is a dagger. Happiness is murder.
Vote "yes" on Proposition 1321. Think of some kids. Some kids."
