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  Evolution and the ugliest aroid
From: "Eduardo Goncalves" edggon at hotmail.com> on 2002.02.02 at 19:00:13(8144)
Dear aroiders,

Ok, I have tried to be out of the discussion. We can?t discuss faith,
but I have seen that many of you have lost the last 150 years! The diversity
of aroids is one of the best proof of evolution as a fact, not as a theory
to be tested. Subspecies (in a evolutionary sense) are everywhere! If you
start to study any group, you will be overwhelmed by evolutionary evidence.
Species complexes such as Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Anthurium harrisii
are perfect subjects to observe the hell of evolution "under construction".
Take a look out of the greenhouse and you will see.
Anyway, if you want to learn a little more about "modern" evolution
theory take a look at the following books:

1. Darwin, C.R. (1859). The origin of species by means of Natural Selection
- It is THE BOOK. Despite almost everybody knows it, almost nobody have read
it! Try! It is still modern, even considering Darwin knew nothing about DNA.

2. Dawkins, R. (1986). The blind watchmaker. A serious argument about
Darwin?s theory. Try it too, it will not hurt you!

There are maaaaany other books, but those are enough if you want to
understand the basis for the evolution. There are many questions to be
answered and some serious critiscisms on Darwin?s theory, mainly concerning
the pace of evolution. Some scientists really thinks that evolution can be
faster than it was expected by Darwin. I personally agree with them. The
nature of morphogenesis can lead to somewhat fast transitions. Anyway,
nobody could seriously prove that Darwin was wrong in essence. The details
of the process are still waiting to be discovered, but Evolution can be
considered a scientific fact, despite some of us will not feel confortable
with it.

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From: Durightmm at aol.com on 2002.02.03 at 16:41:50(8153)
Hear Hear! Give me awhile to set it up and I volunteer to receive and catalogue entries. Mark your ballot and title it "UGLY CONTEST" We now have the first nominations. Joe

From: "Ron Iles" roniles at eircom.net> on 2002.02.03 at 22:21:35(8166)
So what happened to
Beautiful, Exquisite, Delicate, Glorious, Enchanting, Spectacular, Wonderful,
Pretty? Ladies are ALWAYS beautiful & I will not
agree that some are less beautiful than others So please if is
to be Big, Bad & Ugly let it be MISTER. Anyway I don't think
any living things ought to be considered ugly but if it is unavoidable, in
the final lol sacrifice I nominate myself before someone else
does. I can say in all humility this aroid Member is huge.

PLEASE send your nomination
for the loveliest aroid LADIES to Handsome Mr. Joe.

Ron

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