Re: sci.bio.evolution mailing list

John Edser wrote:
> WA:-
> The most minimal definition of evolution is merely "a change in gene
> frequencies," thus if a population can be shown to have had a change in the
> content of its genome over some observable period of time, then evolution
> can
> be said to have occurred.
> However it is very important to note that this definition explains nothing,
> no
> more than measuring a change in the angle of the sun during the course of a
> day
> explains the nature of celestial mechanics. Both are only easily
> accomplished
> empirical measures of readily observable physical qualities.
> 
> JE:-
> The definition of evolution as  "a change in gene
> frequencies" does not exclude random changes in
> gene freq. Thus the definition is incorrect because
> it allows a _non_ testable view of evolution.
> 
Not so, see for example Mueller et al. (1985) Genetics 110: 495-511. 
The specifically test changes in allozyme frequency changes to see if 
the changes could be caused by genetic drift (sampling error is even 
easier to test for).

Bob

-- 
Bob O'Hara

Rolf Nevanlinna Institute
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