Re: Newbie Questions

On Oct 10, 12:40 pm, spintronic <spintro...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On 9 Oct, 17:32, "Greg G." <ggw...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On Oct 9, 12:04 pm, Don Tazemebro <cattlep...@xxxxxxx> wrote:

Just a couple evo questions I wondered about:

1. Why hasn't evolution favored significantly longer lifespans? We
live longer due to health and diet issues, but it seems like over
millions of years, lifespans of many species would be very long, as
raising young seems comparatively time consuming and risky.

Life itself is risky due to predators. Longer-lived species often have
lower reproductive rates.

So why doesn't selection speed things up?

Natural selection can only improve a species' s lot by selecting from
among available differences. (For you concrete thinkers: the filter of
environmental conditions will result in a differential reproductive
advantage in various members of a genepool, the variations of which
are the result of developmental conditions, gene recombinations, and
mutations.)


Natural selection seems to favor those who
reproduce early and often over those who spread their reproduction out
over time.

So, why are there long lived species? Your equation wipes them out.

It's not an equation. You're careless with words, aren't you?

It's a tentative observation, and many of us see conflicting
tendencies in the evolution of species; environmental pressures often
have different or conflicting trends.

For example, google "R strategy" and "K strategy".


Both get eaten anyway. Immortal creatures that are ideally
suited to their environment tend to go extinct when the environment
changes.

Can you cite an "Immortal Creature" Not suited to its enviroment?

Yes:
http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/e3fc5a57db3283cb862562580059d27f/30822cf3f2d8478b88256bb3006934fa?OpenDocument
http://tinyurl.com/27us68


I heard or read recently that a whale was recently found with a
harpoon tip from the late 1800's imbedded its back. They can afford to
live long because of a reduced threat of predation.

Wow, "proof" if ever there was any!

It is of course conceivable that someone shot the whale with an
antique harpoon.


2. Why are we sparsely 'hairy' to the extent hair has been replaced by
clothing? What's the advantage?

Man evolved in a hot area and specialized in running so rapid cooling
was required. When they moved to cooler climates, clothing became
necessary.

Bull ***!

No, it's true. At least that's what the evidence indicates. Perhaps
you are postulating some sort of omnipotent jokester - one who creates
a mass of false and misleading evidence?


Chimpanzees burn far more calories than "average Joe", (I suggest you
get some fresh air, two)

Certainly a chimp foraging for food burns more calories than a modern
couch potato watching TV, at least when mass is taken into account.
But chimpanzees don''t run marathons. Running produces a vast amount
of heat.

Unless you have some contrary evidence?


2a. Along those same lines, why does the hair on our heads grow so
long?

The head doesn't generate extra heat during strenuous exercise

Wow, wow, wow. Have you done the math? (let me answer) NO!

I run, and sometimes I use my head, but I don't use my head to run.
Are you saying that your bible tells you that the head generates more
heat when you run? It certainly *radiates more, because the whole body
is hotter.


but it does tend to lose a great deal of heat at other times. Perhaps some
insulation is required to reduce food requirements.

Hmm, so in effect, you are saying, man should "select" "heavy" hair
growth?

No. We are speculating on why some particular characteristics evolved.
We were selected by environmental conditions if these speculations are
correct.


The question should be "why did some humans lose their curls?"

Because you was one sided anyways!

?


What is the advantage of facial hair?

Sexual preferences most likely. To distinguish too young from old
enough.

OMG, Someone bring this fool a modern youngster, heavy in beard; Light
in experience.

No, sexual selection is the best explanation. Although it could be
just a founder effect and genetic drift. Some Asians tend to have
lighter beards, and most American aborigines don't grow beards at all;
obviously they have had no trouble reproducing.


If you don't want to take the time to explain, please point me to some
resources.

You wont find your answers here.

Well, not in your post. Although I note that when you are merely
insulting, you have little trouble communicating. You still have
offered no intelligent criticisms, though.

Kermit

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