Let's play evolutionary biologist.

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Nope, not it.

Many animals all breeding with the same genetic material spawns random genetic variations. The genetics books cover this stuff. The greater the population density and smaller the geographic area, the better the chances for natural mutants. Mutants aren't created as something "genetically diverse" ... they are of the same genetic material as all of the other animals in the area ... mutants are natures way of "trying new things", maybe as a way to further enhance the survival of the species ... Darwin type stuff.

It's kind of like the movie "The People Under the Stairs".

-adam

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Darwin rocks.
http://www.helsinki.fi/%7Essyreeni/a...tures/atheism4
...that could be my new avatar in a few mins....

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Absolutely not. It spawns mutations ... Genetics 101.

-adam

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They didn't offer that class at the California Culinary Academy. Sorry. Are there any good genetics books out there for numskulls like me who loves science but ain't exactly a genius?

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Originally Posted by RWillinnable

They didn't offer that class at the California Culinary Academy.

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LOL...no classes on the evolutionary history of the caper??? :P

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Originally Posted by JLC

LOL...no classes on the evolutionary history of the caper??? :P

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LOL. No, but we did have some lectures on how food has changed since the Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Things like tomatoes and potatoes were from Peru originally but are now grown throughout the world. And there are grape vines that are indigenous to the new world but not the kind that make fine wine. Those were imported from Europe long ago and are now becoming different species (if left to grow in the wild that is, not the farmed ones), but it takes a while with grapes since the vines can live up to 150 years if undisturbed.

Rachel, who is signed up to take the sommelier exam in august and is already tense about it.

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Originally Posted by RWillinnable

They didn't offer that class at the California Culinary Academy. Sorry. Are there any good genetics books out there for numskulls like me who loves science but ain't exactly a genius?

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The genetics information on the NERDs site is pretty good for dipping a toe into the genetics learning pool...my eyes didn't start crossing til the end of it!

You should get Kevin's book, "The Complete Ball Python". Spells everything out for you.

Yup, that's where I read it. I do think he does have the same genetics stuff on his webpage, but yeah, get the book. It's worth it. =)

Also, remember that all animals’ eyes do not work the same as human eyes... so just because we see a distinct pattern of color doesn't mean that all animals using different spectrums of color see BP's the same way we do. And keep in mind Lions are not solidly colored. Many animals exhibit at least some pattern and coloration whether predator or prey. I have taken many, many Biology and Evolution classes in my time prior to working at an AZA accredited Zoo with some very well educated Zoo Keepers and Biologists... The really important thing to remember is that most of what we "know" about Evolution is based on theory. That is not inherently a bad thing, but theories change over time.



Take Care,

Interesting stuff but headache inducing!