[MD] Alternatives approaches to evolution

[ian glendinning]

Hmm, no I don't think so David, many levels to address this one.

There is one thread that might say there is an infinity of
"possibilities" and all sorts of probabilities of all their histories
over time.

More common-sensically, selection can only happen from the variety
that actually arises, not an infinity at any one time. There are many
mechanisms by which the available possibilities can be realized - some
essentially the classic "random genetic mutations" - but many
environmental physio-chemical influences on cells (and their other
components and assemblies) to pick up on your other point, and
tendencies for certain patterns of change to arise more regularly
because of the existence of the patterns of value in nature (at all
levels too) .... a whole wealth of neo-Darwinian work.

Are you asking me to expand on all these latter mechanisms ?
Ian

On 8/15/07, David M <davidint at blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:
> Hi Ian
>
> Any thoughts on where all the variety comes from
> that natural selection is able to pcim and mix from?
>
> It sorts of suggests that this universe is just a selection
> from an infinity that already exists.
>
> David M
>
>