Why is evolution just a belief? What are the real world results of mutations?.
The cardiovascular system, it has long been recognized that a high circulating cholesterol content in the blood is associated with degeneration and narrowing of large and medium-sized arteries. this process is called "atherosclerosis" and is a leading cause of heart disease. More recently, a genetic biochemical defect causing hereditary high blood levels of cholesterol has been discovered and is know as "familial hypercholesterolemia"
At least 350 different disease-producing mutations of the cholesterol receptor have been described . These may be classified according to the affected functional domain.
In the first class of mutation, little or no receptor is synthesized at all. In the second, receptor protein is synthesized, but does not take its proper place in the cell membrane. Third, receptor protein is present in the membrane, but does not link with the LDL packages. Fourth, the receptor protein is unable to stay in the membrane. Fifth, receptor protein is present in the membrane and links with the LDL packages, but does not bring them into the cell. None of these are beneficial.
A second example is a common genetic disease, cystic fibrosis (CF). This multisystem disease cripples children and leads to early death. It damages the lungs, digestive organs and, in the male, the vas deferens (spermatic duct). Its differing effects, from mild to severe, are in part due to different types of mutation affecting one key gene.
In addition to this fairly common mutation, over 200 other mutations of this gene have been described. Just a few of these are associated with the more severe forms of the disease, which lead to early death from lung infections. Other mutations or combinations of mutations lead to lesser disease states, like chronic pancreatitis or male infertility, but again, no beneficial results have been observed.
Carcinogens (agents causing cancer) also tend to be powerful mutagens (agents producing mutations). The discovery of "oncogenes" and "tumor suppressor genes" has shown how this relationship works. Basically, these genes are concerned with regulation of the cell cycle. The oncogenes drive the process of cell replication forward, while the tumor suppressor genes hold it back. Both are necessary for proper cell function and growth. But mutational damage to components of both systems may produce an uncontrolled growth of cells, which is cancer.
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The mutation responsible for sickle cell anemia has been put forward as an example of Evolution. The problems with this are obvious, as the sickle cell mutation, like the many other described hemoglobin mutations, clearly impairs the function of the otherwise marvelously well-designed hemoglobin molecule. It can in no way be regarded as an improvement in our species, even though its preservation is enhanced in malaria-endemic parts of central Africa by natural selection.
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I agree...it is not micro evolution that creationists have a problem with (adaptive change within a species) it's macro evolution (a 'kind' of animal giving birth to a different 'kind' of animal, i:e a dog giving birth to a cat)
Or the bird dinosaur etc.... Adaptation is well seen. But not evolution.
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Posted by Maurog III
In other words, you have no idea what evolution by natural selection is.
It's not an "improvement", it's adaptation. Educate yourself.
Posted by Lokc
yes
Posted by Dal D
lmao you don't know what natural selection is...do you?
Posted by godfearer
it is not micro evolution that creationists have a problem with (adaptive change within a species) it's macro evolution (a 'kind' of animal giving birth to a different 'kind' of animal, i:e a dog giving birth to a cat)
Posted by Reborn Atheist!
Try reading "Climbing Mount Improbable" or any of the other fantastic books Dawkins has written on evolution. The vast majority of mutations are indeed harmful, or at least neutral. Over the course of billions of years (you might want to study a bit of math so you'll understand what "billion" really means--most people don't realize how big it is), a vanishingly small percentage of mutations will be beneficial. Those beneficial mutations are inherited and passed on simply because the possessor of said mutations is enabled to have more viable offspring.
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