January 22, 2008
NO WONDER DAWKINS IS COMING UNGLUED, BUGS INTO FRUIT BUT NOT A SIGN OF SPECIATION ANYWHERE (via Brian Boys):
Parasites Morph Ants to Look 'Berry' Tasty (Jennifer Viegas, 1/17/08, Discovery News)
To perpetuate its life cycle, a newly identified parasite morphs its ant victims to such a degree that the infected ants resemble red, ripe juicy berries that birds are more inclined to pick, according to the University of California at Berkeley.Eggs from the parasite then pass through the unwitting birds when they defecate. Ants consume the waste, become infected, and the whole cycle starts anew.
The transformation from black ant to red berry form represents the world's first known example of fruit mimicry caused by a parasite. In this case, the victimizer is a parasitic nematode, or roundworm. [...]
"I have no explanation for it," Heydon admitted. "Parasites are simply amazing creatures. Their life cycles are astounding."
The acknowledgment that we have no explanation is the beginning of wisdom. Posted by Orrin Judd at January 22, 2008 10:47 PM
The acknowledgment that we have no explanation is the beginning of wisdom.
Well put, but it is not also the end of wisdom, which is what you appear to advocate a lot.
Posted by: Brandon at January 23, 2008 11:21 AMIt i is the end of mortal wisdom.
Posted by: oj at January 23, 2008 1:20 PMThat would mean seeking wisdom is a waste of time. I guess that's why I read BrothersJudd.
Posted by: Brandon at January 23, 2008 4:11 PMExactly. Wisdom was Revealed to us. Seeking alternatives is a waste. Faith suffices. That's why we're the Stupid Party.
Posted by: oj at January 23, 2008 9:35 PM