Re: Propping up the theory of Evolution

"On Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:51:29 -0400, in article
<utmdnVS4HsqTyPPVnZ2dnUVZ_gKdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Steven L. stated..."

rick_sobie@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
On Jul 3, 4:39 am, Bodega <michael.palm...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Jul 2, 5:10 pm, rick_so...@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:> It has become painfully
obvious that in order to preserve the theory
of evolution so it can continue to be taught properly in schools, some
work must be done to clarify basic principles, and to show wherever
possible, how evolution works in lay mans terms so that people can
understand it more easily.
Of course, all those theories about orbital mechanics and nuclear
reactions 'n' infernal combusion engines needs propping up too. Durn
nitwit scientists.

Well you are obviously a highly perceptive individual, who probably
knows a thing or two about how these science things work,
So perhaps you could explain to everyone how it is, that entropy works
in the opposite direction when it comes to evolution, and how things
in nature are first in a disorganized state, and then through the
actions of atoms, and there is nothing but atoms and the void, how
through the interactions of atoms and molecular processes, evolution
defies the normal direction of entropy?
How is it that systems in human biology, by themselves, become more
organized, and we somehow have developed from simple life forms?

Entropy only increases in a *closed system*.

In an open system, entropy can be made to decrease through the
application of energy to do work.

For example, at this moment, the compressor in my air conditioner is
running on electrical energy, making the air in my home cooler than it
would be in equilibrium with the outside ambient temp. That is indeed a
temporary and *local* reversal of entropy. But it will continue only as
long as energy is expended; if there were to be a power outage, my air
conditioner would stop working and my home would begin to warm up again.

In the case of our planet, most of the biochemical processes taking
place were ultimately being powered by the Sun, and maybe also some
powered by heat from the Earth's interior. Entropy does not have to
increase, as long as these sources of energy are available to do work to
decrease it.

Whenever someone mentions the old "2nd law of thermodynamics"
trick, it seems appropriate to point out that one of the
founders of thermodynamics, Ludwig Boltzmann, was an admirer
of Darwin. See, for example the Wikipedia article on Boltzmann,
under the heading "Energetics of evolution".


--
---Tom S.
"As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand."
attributed to Josh Billings

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Propping up the theory of Evolution
    ... So perhaps you could explain to everyone how it is, that entropy works ... in the opposite direction when it comes to evolution, ... For example, at this moment, the compressor in my air conditioner is running on electrical energy, making the air in my home cooler than it would be in equilibrium with the outside ambient temp. ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Commentary: Creationism - How Entropy challenges Evolution Theory
    ... entropy does occur in open systems such as our Earth. ... The theory of evolution teaches that matter tends to evolve towards ... exists some energy converting and directing mechanism to direct, ... There must also exist an energy converting and directing mechanism. ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Commentary: Creationism - How Entropy challenges Evolution Theory
    ... entropy does occur in open systems such as our Earth. ... The theory of evolution teaches that matter tends to evolve towards ... exists some energy converting and directing mechanism to direct, ... There must also exist an energy converting and directing mechanism. ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Propping up the theory of Evolution
    ... So perhaps you could explain to everyone how it is, that entropy works ... in the opposite direction when it comes to evolution, ... application of energy to do work. ... For example, at this moment, the compressor in my air conditioner is ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Commentary: Creationism - How Entropy challenges Evolution Theory
    ... the law of entropy upon the theory of evolution. ... entropy does occur in open systems such as our Earth. ... It doesn't matter whether a system is open (with unlimited energy) ... entropy is more so saying that a closed system will ...
    (talk.origins)