I love the idea of simulating evolution through computer models. The purpose of such an exercise is not so much to prove that evolution happened, or to prove that complexity can evolve from simple rulesets (though that’s certainly important), but to show that randomness and flexibility in solving tasks can create novel approaches that are …
Tag Archive: evolution
Sep 03 2012
Turtle chases tomato
Here I am on Labour Day (that’s right, check that extra U!), slaving away at some code rather than playing on the blogosphere. I mean, sure, it’s FUN to program, but I’m still neglecting my blogoduties. So, here’s some squee filler. You should also check out PZ’s excellent analysis of the scientific evidence for how …
Jun 29 2012
Lonesome George has died
The last Galapagos tortoise, Lonesome George, has died at roughly a hundred years old. Scientists aren’t sure why he died and plan an autopsy, but Galapagos tortoises were thought to have a lifespan of about two hundred years. George was a member of the same species of tortoise that prompted Charles Darwin, on visiting the …
Jun 26 2012
A scientist believes in God and invented some numbers and really bad math. Therefore, religion wins.
This should hardly be newsworthy, but The Laredo Sun thought it was. Turns out Daniel Friedmann, CEO of a Canadian aerospace company and proud owner of a master’s degree in engineering physics, believes that the non-overlapping magisteria argument is wrong, that science and religion are in fact overlapping, but he also believes that they’re compatible …
May 14 2012
Amoeba eating two paramecia
Jodi saw someone tweet this, and I need some easy content for today after a monstrous overnight last night. So have some survival of the fittest. It’s interesting to see the paramecia completely paralyzed by amoeba until they’re completely surrounded, then they freak the hell out while they’re being digested. Still trying to sort out …
Mar 01 2012
Elementary school kids and animation student illustrate evolution
Via PsiVid, check out this astounding animation illustrating evolution in an exceptionally clever manner. Tyler Rhodes, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, drew a salamander-like creature, then asked elementary school students to draw a creature like his. He then took their results and asked more kids to draw creatures like those, and so on and …
Feb 27 2012
What will your kids be taught about climate science?
Ezra Klein’s coverage of the NCSE stepping into the climate change battleground is very timely, and asks many very relevant questions. One revelation from the recent Heartland Institute document leak is that the group is crafting a K-12 curriculum to teach kids that global warming is “controversial.” Heartland officials have confirmed this. So is climate …
Nov 20 2011
Did climate change doom Neanderthals?
Busy day. Quick link for you via Discovery News: When climate took a turn toward the cold tens of thousands of years ago, both Neanderthals and early humans started traveling further distances to find food, found a new study. [...] The study also hints at what’s to come if climate change forces modern cultures to …
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I have opinions. So do you. You want to share them with me. I would like to do likewise. Please don't expect a platform for proselytizing that will go unchecked and unchallenged, though.
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Contact me via these services:
I reserve the right to publish any contact, especially if it's hateful or ridiculous.
Not detailed enough to allow for proper stalking? Please read my Hello Freethought Blogs post. I promise* it will include my favorite style of underwear.
* Not a real promise
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