Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal
PZ Myers is a biologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris.
…and this is a pharyngula stage embryo.
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Thus the creationist's favourite question "What is the use of half an eye?" Actually, this is a lightweight question, a doddle to answer. Half an eye is just 1 per cent better than 49 per cent of an eye, which is already better than 48 per cent, and the difference is significant."
Nilsson and Pelger began with a flat retina atop a flat pigment layer and surmounted by a flat, protective transparent layer. The transparent layer was allowed to undergo localised random mutations of its refractive index. They then let the model deform itself at random, constrained only by the requirement that any change must be small and must be an improvement on what went before. … The results were swift and decisive. A trajectory of steadily mounting acuity led unhesitatingly from the flat beginning through a shallow indentation to a steadily deepening cup, as the shape of the model eye deformed itself on the computer screen. The transparent layer thickened to fill the cup and smoothly bulged its outer surface in a curve. And then, almost like a conjuring trick, a portion of this transparent filling condensed into a local, spherical subregion of higher refractive index. Not uniformly higher, but a gradient of refractive index such that the spherical region functioned as an excellent graded- index lens.
Richard Dawkins
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Category: Humor
Posted on: April 18, 2008 1:41 PM, by PZ Myers
I knew the Beagle Project was planning to rebuild and resail the Beagle, Charles Darwin's old ship … but who knew their plans were even more ambitious? They're going to resurrect Chaz D!
And you can get the whole evil scheme on a poster.
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Comments
Posted by: Holbach | April 18, 2008 2:05 PM
I prefer to leave Darwin buried in Westminster Abbey,as a lot more people can visit him, albeit all the wackos too,
but at least he is safer there with more security around than he would have back in the little village of Downe where the religious insane would probably desecrate his grave. In Westminster, all the insane can just smirk and lash out at a plaque and statue but find it hard to disinter him. I'm afraid little Downe would bear the brunt of all those freaking tourists and fanatics and wishing that he had remained in Westminster Abbey. Stay put Charles, for we all know where you are and it will be a lot easier to pay our respects and homage.
Posted by: Ford | April 18, 2008 5:28 PM
I wasn't aware that radar could see over the horizon.
Posted by: Peter McGrath | April 18, 2008 6:51 PM
The horizon from average yacht deck level is 5 miles, it will be further on the replica Beagle, her deck being a little higher than the average yacht. Radomes are usually mounted on a mast, and even on a small yacht this usually gives a picture out to 12 miles, on larger yachts with the radar transmitter high on the mast I've had 24 miles, well beyond the visual horizon. Sorry Ford, pardon my 'visual', space was limited.
Posted by: Shawn S | April 18, 2008 8:58 PM
Wow! So atheists get a second coming before the Christians? My irony meter just blew up.
See, Darwinism is a religion. I wonder if we could nail one of Charles' descendents to a tree?
Posted by: Martin | April 18, 2008 9:31 PM
I'd love to see a Fake Charles Darwin who can skewer the creos on his blog. Something like the FSJ blog.
Posted by: G. Tingey | April 19, 2008 4:51 AM
Would that it were true!
Posted by: Hepa | April 19, 2008 6:56 AM
An lo! A humourless Christian knew a humourless Christian and they begat a humourless Christian with a nasty turn of mind, and his name was Shawn S.
Posted by: wazza | April 19, 2008 8:49 AM
Hepa: straight out of Gen. 5
Dammit, they stole the premise of the novel I'm working on!
(no, seriously)