The Rosetta Stone For Understanding Evolution

[YankeyMCC]

(snip)
Yale molecular and evolutionary biologists in collaboration with Department of Energy scientists produced the full genome sequence of Trichoplax, one of nature's most primitive multicellular organisms, providing a new insight into the evolution of all higher animals.
(snip)

(snip)
However, size is not all that matters. DNA sequences that organisms share in common represents what was in their genomes at the time of their divergence. Unlike other model systems for studying evolution, including fruit flies and worms, even the arrangement of genes is conserved between the Trichoplax and human genomes.

"Trichoplax shares over 80 percent of its genes with humans," said Dellaporta. "We are exited to find that Trichoplax contains shared pathways and defined regulatory sequences that link these most primitive ancestors to higher animal species. The Trichoplax genome will serve as a type of "Rosetta Stone" for understanding the origins of animal-specific pathways."
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http://www.terradaily.com/reports/The_Rosetta_Stone_For_Understanding_Evolution_999.html

Interesting stuff, though I'm sure as only a passingly interested layman I don't fully appreciate or understand the significance. It is depressing though because after reading this and reading the headline again I realize that no matter how much this adds to the already solid foundation of evolutionary science it will not convince one single 'creationist' and we'll continue to have to fight to ensure proper and effective science eduction for our children in public schools.

[Benhurst]

1. Sounds interesting. I can't wait for Sarah Palin to explain it to me.

:rofl:

Recommended :kick: #1

[YankeyMCC]

2. Another 'test' from gawd

some of the logical somersaults some xian fundamentalists take in explaining these things away make their god sound a lot like a trickster god.

[DCKit]

3. If you were a house builder, would you try to build every house a different way?

Why start with the foundation when you could build the roof first, then build the rest of the house under shelter? Why should God have "re-invented the wheel" with every organism? Simply to disprove evolution to those with no faith? He's *testing* your faith with the "evidence" he planted.

Then again, why build the house at all? God gave us perfectly good caves and trees to live in.

Had you going, didn't I? Actually, I'm thinking this could become a valid (haha)argument for the fundies - if they're not using it already.

[Lucky 13]

4. No amount of science will convince the creationists.

I'm taking a Master's level course in evolution now and much of the first week of classes has been about how no amount of evidence will ever change creationists minds because they aren't basing their arguments on anything close to "fact", the scientfic method, or reason. Their whole purpose is to drive a wedge between science and the public. Infuriating.

I forwarded this article on to my Prof. These are some cool developments. I'll be interested in reading the scientific article when published.