Definition of evolution toms at fcs260c2.ncifcrf.gov Sat Nov 2
09:30:33 EST 1991 In article <1991Nov1.171612.4442 at
gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca> lamoran at gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca (L.A.
Moran) writes: >... I propose the following definition; >
Biological evolution is the process of change in the genetic >
makeup of a population. >This definition is necessary and
sufficient (IMHO). Consider the molecules in a glass of water.
Over time they rearrange themselves (if the water is not
frozen). This is similar to random mutation and drift in a
population. So your definition includes changes which have no
phenotypic result at all. Surely the rearrangements of molecules
in a glass of water are not an interesting kind of "evolution".
Why not simply call the genetic changes 'mutations' and be
precise about it? Shouldn't the term 'evolution' be reserved for
something more important? National Cancer Institute Laboratory
of Mathematical Biology Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201 toms at
ncifcrf.gov More information about the Mol-evol