'Armored' Fish Study Helps Strengthen Darwin's Natural Selection Theory

[TZ]

ScienceDaily (Sep. 1, 2008) — Shedding some genetically induced excess baggage may have helped a tiny fish thrive in freshwater and outsize its marine ancestors, according to a UBC study published today in Science Express.

Measuring three to 10 centimetres long, stickleback fish originated in the ocean but began populating freshwater lakes and streams following the last ice age. Over the past 20,000 years – a relatively short time span in evolutionary terms – freshwater sticklebacks have lost their bony lateral plates, or “armour,” in these new environments.

“Scientists have identified a mutant form of a gene, or allele, that prohibits the growth of armour,” says UBC Zoology PhD candidate Rowan Barrett. Found in fewer than one per cent of marine sticklebacks, this allele is very common in freshwater populations.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828162604.htm

[YankeyMCC]

1. Interesting stuff but...

so depressing that a title like that is even considered and perhaps even necessary to get the attention of some. I don't think evolution needs any more 'strengthening'.

[TZ]

2. I know.

But we have a VP candidate that thinks ALL points of view should be taught. Clearly, evolution is just an "idea" to her....x(

[Evoman]

3. No doubt. You don't get any more solid than evolution.

And natural selection (in conjuction with things like gene flow) seems the absolutely obvious driving force. I can't imagine how it could be otherwise.