So there I am minding my own business reading a bit about snake evolution when suddenly

[monta]

This sentence accosts me and I get furious. Anyone else annoyed by this example of a very common choice of words used to describe evolution? It gets me every time.

Over a period of millions of years, these burrowing lizards lost their limbs and their external ears--to help them burrow more easily--and also replaced their eyelids with a clear brille or spectacle to protect their eyes while digging.

 

[lunamoth]

I agree it is mildly annoying, and possibly confusing to those not solidly versed in natural selection, but it is often awkward to phrase things in a way that gets across the process of natural selection accurately and concisely every time we want to describe the likely reason some trait evolved. It can be done, but in everyday usage we often make it sound like evolution was somehow consciously chosen by the creature to adapt.

People do it on this forum all the time, and not just the creationists.

Meh.

 

[Madhuri]

I think that people constantly use confusing language when talking about evolution. As a result, it took me a very long time to have an accurate understanding of the basics. This is just one example.

 

[evolved yet?]

Thing is it takes too much time to spell it out explicitly.

 

[Reptillian]

Sounds more like Lamarck's evolutionary theory. I remember reading a scientific paper a few years ago that suggested snakes lost their limbs when grasses first evolved. Instead of making burrowing easier, limblessness allowed snakes ancestors to get around more efficiently in tall grass.

 

[Skwim]

So there I am minding my own business reading a bit about snake evolution when suddenly
This sentence accosts me and I get furious. Anyone else annoyed by this example of a very common choice of words used to describe evolution? It gets me every time.

Over a period of millions of years, these burrowing lizards lost their limbs and their external ears--to help them burrow more easily--and also replaced their eyelids with a clear brille or spectacle to protect their eyes while digging.

It pretty much depends on context. Coming from the following article

Evolution of Snakes (← link)
by Lenny Flank

​

where the subject is the evolution of snakes, it should be apparent what is being implied by the rather "short-hand" explanation you cite. I see no reason to feel accosted or be furious.

 

[monta]

It pretty much depends on context. Coming from the following article

Evolution of Snakes (← link)
by Lenny Flank

​

where the subject is the evolution of snakes, it should be apparent what is being implied by the rather "short-hand" explanation you cite. I see no reason to feel accosted or be furious.

Now I'm mad at you too.

It isn't shorthand it is incorrect.

 

[evolved yet?]

I think Skwim is right on this one, that is basically what I was trying to say but I'm obviously a fairly bad explainer.

 

[Herr Heinrich]

I really see no issue here.

 

[monta]

Attributing intent, even in an offhand way to evolution should be an issue. It is misleading.

 

[linwood]

This problem doesn`t only concern the science of evolution.

It`s a problem throughout the scientific community.

Scientific research very often gets so dumbed down for popular consumption that it is horribly misleading.

It`s no wonder most people are clueless.

 

[painted wolf]

Gah... That is hideous!

Yes, the snakes just dropped their eyelids and fitted themselves with brille.... all to make them better at digging.
:banghead3:

wa:do

 

[Walkntune]

[youtube]H8oQBYw6xxc[/youtube]
YouTube - The Indonesian Mimic Octopus

Is this the process of natural selection or intent.

 

[Nepenthe]

[youtube]H8oQBYw6xxc[/youtube]
YouTube - The Indonesian Mimic Octopus

Is this the process of natural selection or intent.

Natural selection. A more pressing question is whether it's Mullerian mimicry or Batesian mimicry? I'm not gonna eat one to find out...

 

[monta]

I really, really want a pet octopus..........but owning pets is probably wrong :sad:

 

[Alceste]

This sentence accosts me and I get furious. Anyone else annoyed by this example of a very common choice of words used to describe evolution? It gets me every time.

What are you reading? Curious George Learns Biology? Want some recommendations?

 

[monta]

What are you reading? Curious George Learns Biology? Want some recommendations?

How very dare you! It was 'Silly Snake wants a Hug'

 

[Alceste]

I really, really want a pet octopus..........but owning pets is probably wrong :sad:

Whether it is wrong or right is for the pets to decide. If I were an octopus I don't think I would mind being your pet. Especially if I had lots of food, no predators and lots of interesting puzzles and toys. Maybe an octopus friend in a neighbouring tank I could visit when I'm feeling randy or lonesome. (AFAIK, gender and sub-species doesn't matter much to a horny octopus).

 

[monta]

Sally snake would like some feet
Shelby snake wants eggs to eat
Smelly snake wants to munch a bug
But Silly snake just wants a hug

Willy snake wants to shed his vest
Jilly snake likes to swim the best
Lilly snake wants a slimy slug
But Silly snake just wants a hug

Some snakes live life on a farm
Some snakes would never do you harm
One snake’s hiding under the rug
But maybe he just wants a hug


I think this is the definitive work on the subject :yes:

 

[Alceste]

Sally snake would like some feet
Shelby snake wants eggs to eat
Smelly snake wants to munch a bug
But Silly snake just wants a hug

Willy snake wants to shed his vest
Jilly snake likes to swim the best
Lilly snake wants a slimy slug
But Silly snake just wants a hug

Some snakes live life on a farm
Some snakes would never do you harm
One snake’s hiding under the rug
But maybe he just wants a hug


I think this is the definitive work on the subject :yes:

I think there's a song in that. I'd better get to work.