Re: Evolution, "adaptation", and what's currently adaptive

Bryant (mycol1@unm.edu)
29 Aug 1996 12:23:22 -0600

In article <lpiotrow.389.3224AB99@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>,
Len Piotrowski <lpiotrow@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> wrote:
>In article <501ikj$2p5o@argo.unm.edu> mycol1@unm.edu (Bryant) writes:
>Since you have no answer to the "sugar craving" gene or the "jealousy" gene,
>why not move on to something more up your alley.

OK-doke. I would like to see a reference someday (from anybody)
demonstrating that a culture exists in which sexual jealousy is unknown,
but that's a tangent.

>>The neuropeptide causing
>>the sensation of thirst has been identified (and, therefore, you would
>>presumably agree that there are relevant genes for selection to have
>>acted upon were thirst somehow evolutionarily adventageous).
>
>I can't figure out what your saying here. A neuropeptide causes the
>"sensation" of thirst. Where does it "cause" this sensation, where does it
>come from, and how is it produced and transmitted? (Excuse me for my ignorance
>of this esoterica).

I will respond at length, and carefully, after my approaching phys class.Ok?

>>That neuropeptide is a "physical object" by your accounting, yes?
>
>I take your word for it.

Lenny, unless organic chemistry is an exercise in metaphysics,
nueropeptides count as physical entities. :)

Bryant