How Evolution Works
I was never into the maths of evolution (actually I was never into maths period so maybe that explains a few things).
I look at a reptile whose skin perfectly camouflages it against a complex background and I go ‘how in the hell is that possible?’ I see a plant whose flower ingeniously imitates the look and smell of a particular female bee ready for sex and I go ‘Ah come on no way!’ As a kid I would try and work out ‘how does it know?? how can it know???’
But after reading a lot of different explanations of different aspects of it all one day ‘boom’ it all made sense. Random mutations over time give certain organisms a particular advantage. They have a better chance of surviving and breeding and will pass on their traits to the next generation. Simple but genius idea, and it makes the scene of the poor bee trying to bang the budding flower all the more beautiful.
Since then I have come to appreciate that this process is not about progress or perfection. Its beauty comes from its completely random nature, one that helps create a balance overall.
These guys have done their best to explain the maths, so maybe it will be of use to people out there.
Tags: evolution,
Filed under: The Earth
