Quote:
Originally Posted by HydrogenBond
Here is a good evolutionary test. The theory is random mutations leads to adaptions to the environment via selective advantage. To test this, we will start with mice and artificially induce random mutations. We can't use logic to plan the mutations, since that would prove genetics evolves using some rational schema.
What should happen, if the theory is correct, is not only the perpetuation of the mice sample, but better adaptation. If we mess up successive generations of mice, due to random mutations, it would show random will not work and the theory is wrong at least in part.
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No. Most random mutations either occurring naturally or induced will be deleterious, and if the population goes extinct when you blast it with radiation, this does not show that natural selection does not work. Natural selection not only requires variation, it also requires differential reproduction and heritability.
I don't think you understand how evolution by natural selection works:
1. Random variation (mutation, recombination etc)
2. Heredity(some variation must be passed on, cumulatively, to offspring)
3. Differential reproduction(some inherited variation must increase the fitness of its bearers)
If a random mutation which produces a trait occurs that increases fitness in the environment, the trait will increase in population as those with it reproduce/survive better than those without.
Mutation by itself is not enough.
