Examples All Around Us
Hi - I want to add a little clarity to my earlier, which isn't as clear, perhaps, as it might be.

In terms of evidence for evolution around us (I'm not a biologist, coincidentally), surely these qualify?:

MRSA
C.Diff

Over and above this (some pun intended) if one looks at the average height of humans over the ages that's increased: one might say that this is more to do with better nutrition (etc) but perhaps there's an evolutionary path as well?

I'd also (controversially?) suggest that obesity might be an evolutionary reaction to our consumer-driven, easy-win, no-fight society?
(JohntheDane, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 12:24, 2 replies)

Damn, you are showing your ignorance.
Being Obese in our society adds no genetic advantage, so will not add to evolution. Fatties don't breed so well as proper shaped people, neither do thinnies.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 12:34, closed)

proper shaped people?!
psh, sizeist.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 12:40, closed)

I couldn't think of another word except Normal, and that's worse
even average isn't good as the average is still fat.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 12:46, closed)

I love the capitalisation of Normal
The Normies v the Thinnies. The Fatties can fight the winner.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 12:58, closed)

As soon as I've finshed this pie, I'll flatten them.

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 13:15, closed)

Agreed.
My apologies - you're right, didn't think that one through.

D'oh.
(JohntheDane, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 12:41, closed)

Height changes
have been observed over a couple of generations, corresponding to diet changes - modern Japan is one example. Also, the average height in Anglo-Saxon England was about what it is now.

Obesity is a reaction to a past of scarcity. Evolution takes time to catch up; we're well-adapted for the world our great-grandparents lived in, we're taking our chances in this one.

Creationists are misguided because science should be used to become right, not to prove oneself right.
( Flapjack I spay a little mare for you, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 13:38, closed)

The height one is still a matter of debate as far as I'm aware.
the beauty of evolution is that the timescale thing might not be the case at all, we could be looking at dormant systems within the cells for an almost instantaneous change in some situations.

the one thing that is certain right now, and one of the most important bits of work Dawkins did before he stopped being a proper scientist and dedicated his life to pointless fundy-baiting, is that all bets are off in terms of what we should consider "evolutionary pressures" on humanity. This is where the idea that we've stopped evolving comes from - not because the "real" rules of the game have changed, but the rules as far as mainstream understanding of the game goes certainly have.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 13:49, closed)

Increase in size is not evidence of evolution.
It merely means that the local conditions have changed, and that the current generation has adapted to them. In Japan's case, a large increase in the consumption of animal protein and dairy products.

It works the other way: the population of Argyll, Sutherland and the Western Highlands were the tallest people in Europe on average in 1900. The ones who migrated to Glasgow lost up to 8 inches in average height, due to poor nutrition. Yet their cousins, many of whom lived less than 40 miles remained tall.
(all my scars face forward possesses 2.5% of a hyperalloy combat chassis, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 18:21, closed)

A person's height is a better predictor of career progression than their sex.
Not that upper management are any more likely to have children, mind you.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Tue 6 Apr 2010, 19:03, closed)