Re: Evolution is NOT random


"dkomo" <dkomo871@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:g0cmbb$1o1o$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
So why do people keep discussing it as though it were? Evolution is a
deterministic process taking place in a deterministic world. The only
"randomness" about it is in our own minds due to our inability to
completely understand, track and predict what is going on. This
randomness is epistemological and relative, and is not a real feature of
nature.

Why do I say this? The only truly random processes in nature are
quantum processes and, as far I know, this quantum randomness plays no
role in genetic mutations.

The paradigmatic case of a 'random' cause of mutation is getting hit
by a gamma, X, or uv ray. If you truly believe that quantum randomness
is not involved in the emission or absorbtion of electromagnetic
radiation, then I think you need to reconsult whatever 'tao' you have
used as your source of quantum mechanical wisdom.

In any case, there are a lot of other 'random' aspects to evolution
besides mutation. Like recombination and segregation. Like that
butterfly in Brazil which causes the Hurricane in Jamaica with the
net result that some lizzards ride a log raft to Antigua.

.