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Re: Who needs Popigai?

Kelly Bell wrote:

Proboscidians, equines, etc. steadily progressed in the
Cenozoic.


Today these two groups are represented by a combined total of about ten
species.  If this is progress, I think both groups have been seriously
shortchanged.

I'd recommend reading _Full House_ by S.J. Gould.  I disagree (strongly)
with most of his views on  evolution, but there's a nice chapter on the
evolution of horses.  Not only is equid evolution very complicated - with
numerous side-branches (most of which came to dead ends) - but to imbue the
evolution of horses with a sense of "progress" is incorrect.

If random physical factors were so important in extinction, and
biological factors so secondary, why are the derived forms often the only
survivors?


I think most cockroaches would disagree with that statement.  They've been
around for a long time, through thick and thin, and show no sign of
disappearing (alas)


Tim

------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy J. Williams

USDA/ARS Researcher
Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames IA 50014

Phone: 515 294 9233
Fax:   515 294 3163




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