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. +More By the way, I want to also vote in the ugliest aroid. In my opinion, the ugliest aroid ever is Epipremnum pinnatum cv. aureus (golden pothos). The second place would be those variegated Alocasia macrorrhizos! Any other vote? :o) Very best wishes, Eduardo. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.

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 +More ----- Original Message ----- From: Durightmm@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list AROID-L Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2002 4:41 PM Subject: Re: Evolution and the ugliest aroid 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

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