Yanniru, with due respect, the only meaningful definition of information as it pertains to the Darwinian theory, is information that is accrued through mutation, transposition or the other known types of change within the DNA. From Darwins time until now, this has been thought [assumed actually] to have been natural selection acting on random mutation. [there are some others, but these too are not information producing]

These mechanisms have only been demonstrated to either delete information or result in a neutral effect in terms of net info change.

This is a serious challange [or threat, depending on your veiw or philosophy] for the whole theory. If there is no viable information producing mechanism, then the idea of life originating and developing through strictly naturalistic means, becomes suspect.

The leaf analogy you used is amiss because it is an example where already existent genetic information is utilized to produce leaf structure via sunlight and the enzymes and proteins coded for in the DNA.

What this theory needs in order to survive is the demonstration of an information producing mechanism. A mechanism that would produce unique [to the biosphere]genetic information that would code for complex organs, bio-chemical pathways, gross morphological change etc--in short, the kind and quantity of change to produce a man from a proto-cell.

I don't think it is there to find.

Brian

• You need a new word - yanniru - May 22, 2001 - 11:45 UTC
  • Random change IS new information. Enviroment decides how useful. - alexander - May 22, 2001 - 15:54 UTC
  • Big Bang - isaiaha41 - May 28, 2001 - 22:06 UTC
    • Triangulation and the speed of light - yanniru - May 29, 2001 - 12:10 UTC
      • Parallax measurements are simple. - alexander - May 30, 2001 - 22:54 UTC
        • thank you both - isaiaha41 - June 2, 2001 - 11:37 UTC
          • It is not a premise - yanniru - June 2, 2001 - 12:46 UTC