Is the fact that the Bird Flu could mutate (evolve) into a deadly strain,

[JohnnyBoots]

that is dangerous to man and able to be passed from human to human, proof of evolution? Will the fundies write offthis arguement as a Divine test or punishment. Any thoughts?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Mutation is part of the evolutional theory, I believe

but fundies might look upon it as a judgement.

Personally, what I'm more interested in is looking into what I can do to build up my immune system so if the flu breaks out, I'll be better able to withstand it.

[HereSince1628]

2. I would never try to explain viral inheritance to fundies.

Viruses of different type can actually mix their genetic material between types.

[bluedawg12]

4. Viurses incorporating genetic chains in a mix and match

fashion to adapt to new environments such as anti-viral medications- very cool. Yes, so a few billion years ago some genetic materials changed luckily and then maybe formed a network that could use energy- perhaps bridging the twillight world of viruses ( DNA core and lipid shell is it-been a while) and living primitive organisms.

if I look at a mitchondria I can see it as a primitive creature living outside of an organized system- sort of. heh.

I don't need to hubris my way up to demi-godhood to feel special.
I am content to originate from some primordial goo, because the end product is the miracle-- a creature sitting here typing on a computer. cool. way cool.

[HereSince1628]

6. Viruses can have DNA or RNA as genetic material

And it may be single or double stranded.

Viruses are very interesting. But, I don't think they are particularly good models to use when trying to explain evolution to people who have limited biological understanding.

[bluedawg12]

7. I am in awe of the little buggers

those pesky viruses have us in their little cross hairs.

I haven't given too much thought about how to explain evolution to anyone in a while-- but it's a juicy nugget to chew on.


Aren't there dna and rna mitochondria too?

[bluedawg12]

3. Fundybots are cultish and reason proof

their version of faith allows them to block out any facts that disagree their view.

[ladjf]

5. Genetic mutation is a prime example of Evolution in progress.

It's easier to view in microbes as the changes are more rapid. If the fundies don't believe in Evolution, they can quit worrying about the new avian flu pandemic.