Evolution 150 yrs, Charles Darwin 200

KassingerKassinger Shades of grey Join Date: 2002-02-20 Member: 229Members, Constellation
edited February 2009 in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">Celebrating one of science's biggest ideas.</div>This being the forums of NS, I thought it fitting pointing out that this year is the 150th anniversary of <i>On the Origin of Species</i>. Evolution by natural selection has withstood 150 years of scrutiny and adapted to incorporate Mendelian genetics and formed into the current modern synthesis.

To quote a geneticist named Dobzhansky:"Nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution."

This is for celebrating our greater knowledge and understanding through the use of the scientific method and our powerful ideas.

Comments

  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    Is there also room for thumbing our noses at those who seriously think it's completely bogus?
  • enf0rcerenf0rcer intrigued... Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14584Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1699178:date=Feb 1 2009, 09:42 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lolfighter @ Feb 1 2009, 09:42 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699178"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Is there also room for thumbing our noses at those who seriously think it's completely bogus?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yes, and a big sign saying 'Ignorance is Bliss.'
  • X_StickmanX_Stickman Not good enough for a custom title. Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15533Members, Constellation
    Anyone in the UK (or anyone handy with proxies I guess) can watch David Attenborough's documentary on Darwin that aired this sunday on the BBC here:

    <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00hd5mf" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00hd5mf</a>
  • puzlpuzl The Old Firm Join Date: 2003-02-26 Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
    There wasn't really anything new in the show for me, but it was a really good general overview. Tonight there's a special on the reaction his ideas were met with initially.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    I want to see that video. T_T
  • TykjenTykjen Join Date: 2003-01-21 Member: 12552Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    Time for some Darwin awards then <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • X_StickmanX_Stickman Not good enough for a custom title. Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15533Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1699199:date=Feb 2 2009, 02:46 PM:name=puzl)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(puzl @ Feb 2 2009, 02:46 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699199"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->There wasn't really anything new in the show for me, but it was a really good general overview. Tonight there's a special on the reaction his ideas were met with initially.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    I'm actually not a fan of the "tree of life" animation / sequence at the end of the show. Never thought I'd be criticising David Attenborough, but there you go.

    It explains the "what" part of evolution very well, but doesn't give any answers as to the "how" and "why". Personally, I know the how and the why, including the chemical evolution at the start, but that's not the point; people who aren't as well versed with the theory will pick up on that and use it as a criticism. I can already see in my mind creationists gearing up their argument. "See! They don't know why this happens, and they just pretend it doesn't matter!" and so on.

    From an entertainment point of view, I get it. There's no way you could work an entire explanation into it and keep it as elegant (and eloquent) as it is now, but it still bugged me.

    The "Tree of Life" animation can be watched seperately from the main episode (for all the non-UKers):

    <center><object width="450" height="356"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H6IrUUDboZo"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H6IrUUDboZo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="356"></embed></object></center>
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    huzzah!


    LIEK EVERYTING WUZ INTELLIGENTLY DESINGED
  • KassingerKassinger Shades of grey Join Date: 2002-02-20 Member: 229Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1699216:date=Feb 3 2009, 12:33 AM:name=X_Stickman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(X_Stickman @ Feb 3 2009, 12:33 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699216"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->It explains the "what" part of evolution very well, but doesn't give any answers as to the "how" and "why".<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    If it were some other random scientific theory, a quick overview in a popular programme would be enough for people to accept it as likely. But just as you said, something as mistrusted as evolution needs a more full explanation to avoid criticism based on some misunderstanding.
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    What I wannah know is, after all these millenia of Natural-Selection (which can also lead to extinction)... How the hell did Cookie Monster survive this selection process!!!
  • locallyunscenelocallyunscene Feeder of Trolls Join Date: 2002-12-25 Member: 11528Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1699269:date=Feb 2 2009, 09:59 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kouji_San @ Feb 2 2009, 09:59 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699269"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->What I wannah know is, after all these millenia of Natural-Selection (which can also lead to extinction)... How the hell did Cookie Monster survive this selection process!!!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Cookie Monster is millenia old?

    Heh I can see the trailer now...

    [black screen with fading text]

    Of the old Gods...


    Few remain...


    But one...


    HAS AWAKENED!


    <img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff153/hausbak/cookie-monster3.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
  • X_StickmanX_Stickman Not good enough for a custom title. Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15533Members, Constellation
    Isn't he the veggie-monster now?

    He adapted to the demands of a modern audience. EVOLUTION IN ACTION! (not really)
  • TykjenTykjen Join Date: 2003-01-21 Member: 12552Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    The BIG picture is just too vast for humans to even try to get a sensible grip of.What we do understand with each big discovery, is that it forces us to do a 180 degree mind turn in most parts.
    So why care for the discussion about evolution when most people that are against it really dont see much else than a god, and hardly ever has a viewpoint of their own. God put the lie in believe in alot of things. I for one support natural selection.
  • HawkeyeHawkeye Join Date: 2002-10-31 Member: 1855Members
    edited February 2009
    A common misconception about evolution is that it is some sort of anti-creationism theory. On the contrary, creationism and evolution theory mix like oil and water. One is a religious belief and the other is scientific theory, and lets just say that religion and science has never mixed well before, so I really see no reason to think that when people have a chance to bash the counterpart, they would leap at the opportunity.

    Only reason you even could argue <i>for</i> creationism is because evolution theory kind of stomps on the feet of creationists, though if evidence doesn't support a belief, there's absolutely positively NO argument there. You can't deny clear evidence to support a theory nor can you disprove a belief. It's like trying to disprove the scientific evidence of the planets revolving around the sun by insisting that the earth is the center of the universe.

    With that said, before anyone argues pro-creationism, I strongly suggest you slowly and deliberately pull your fingertips from the keyborad and cease and desist further cerebral thought.
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1699295:date=Feb 2 2009, 10:08 PM:name=X_Stickman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(X_Stickman @ Feb 2 2009, 10:08 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699295"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Isn't he the veggie-monster now?

    He adapted to the demands of a modern audience. EVOLUTION IN ACTION! (not really)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    cookies are a sometime food ¬_¬
  • CronosCronos Join Date: 2002-10-18 Member: 1542Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1699349:date=Feb 4 2009, 05:25 AM:name=Hawkeye)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hawkeye @ Feb 4 2009, 05:25 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699349"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Only reason you even could argue <i>for</i> creationism is because evolution theory kind of stomps on the feet of creationists, though if evidence doesn't support a belief, there's absolutely positively NO argument there. You can't deny clear evidence to support a theory nor can you disprove a belief. It's like trying to disprove the scientific evidence of the planets revolving around the sun by insisting that the earth is the center of the universe.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Au contraire. I've come across arguments from creationists that do indeed try to deny clear evidence in the face of all the facts and even twist the facts in flawed, often logically fallacious arguments <i>for</i> creationism. One particular argument painted Science as just another Religion that required <i>Faith</i> of all things. IE, Faith in gravity, faith in the laws of motion etc etc. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/confused-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="???" border="0" alt="confused-fix.gif" />

    Anyway, let us not dwell on such subjects. Yay Darwin! **sets off fireworks**

    Oh, and for fun, whenever the cookie monster speaks, throw in your own random meaning for what "Cookie!" can mean as though it were a euphemism. Many lulz to be had.
  • KassingerKassinger Shades of grey Join Date: 2002-02-20 Member: 229Members, Constellation
    edited February 2009
    I just discovered that Darwin day is actually this coming Thursday, February 12th. That's Darwins 200th b'day.

    ** moar fireworks **
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