Evolution

[shaunbhoy]

Many generations from now, your offspring may evolve to be as intelligent, good looking and generally brilliant as moi.
But I wouldn't count on it.

But only if some cataclysmic event involving gamma rays, insecticides, and spores from the Ugly Tree are involved!!

However, why wait generations when a steamroller can create aesthetics you would be proud of sas?

[northernladuk]

Is this some windup that will end in a comment about the user base of CUK??

[OwlHoot]

Can an individual organism evolve, i.e. aside from reproduction?

Could happen slowly in theory, for example to organisms that can reproduce asexually, such as trees which bud new trees from their roots.

(Retroviruses could screw up and rearrange their DNA for example.)

edit: I read or (mis)interpreted that as "aside from sexual reproduction".

[Zippy]

What do you mean by "evolve"?

WHS

If by "evolve" you mean changes in the developed organsm (post formation of the zygote/embryo) which can be passed on to the next generation then no, an organism cannot evolve. I believe the work of Lamarck has been discredited in this respect.
If you mean "evolution" pre or during the formation of the zygote/embryo then yes, this can happen.

[Doggy Styles]

If by "evolve" you mean changes in the developed organsm (post formation of the zygote/embryo) which can be passed on to the next generation then no, an organism cannot evolve. I believe the work of Lamarck has been discredited in this respect.

I think that's what I meant.

I suppose I was thinking of changes to DNA that affect the organism's characteristics (through cell division or whatever) and can also be passed on through reproduction.

[SupremeSpod]

I think that's what I meant.

I suppose I was thinking of changes to DNA that affect the organism's characteristics (through cell division or whatever) and can also be passed on through reproduction.

Isn't that what happens with HIV?