Darwin proved correct by Genetics

[rov1100]

Now that is possible to work out the genetic code for any species has any work been done to decode any living organism that has shown signs of adapting to the environment?

Obviously the code would be different but the changes necessary would show up on the blueprint of the genetic code.

These differences could be quite huge and would require more than just the point mutation.

If the converse is true and the mutations necessary are too large to be explained maybe we would have to look for a non-Darwin effect.

[jomifl]

Are you thinking of the appearence of new genes or a change in the distribution of genes in the population?

[katemac1]

Darwin is indeed proven correct by mutation patterns in nematode worms and bacteria.

Bacteria evolution has also been seen under scientific conditions. Bacteria grown in the lab evolved the ability to metabolise citrate. What they also saw was bacteria from the same population did not evolve to metabolise citrate. It basically means that not only is evolution random, outcomes differ based on chance:
http://www.newscienti...shift-in-the-lab.html

Nematodes are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. Their 'genetic plasticity' is discussed at length in this research paper:
www.wormbook.org/chapters/www_genomevol/genom
evol.html

[beso]

The presence of the identical genes for identical purposes is found in widely separated species indicating they evolved in a common ancestor.

If I remember the figure correctly we have about thirteen percent of the same genes as an earthworm and much in common with fruit flies.

Patterns of similarities have been found in the genes for multiple structures within one organism. New traits have often evolved through accidental duplication of genes which then allows their codes and purposes to diverge.

A singe copy of the gene still performing the original purpose can be found in related organisms.

One of the really interesting facts is that a surprisingly large proportion of our genes were obtained not through mutation but by infection. Viral genes become part of its host genome and are passed on to its offspring. The most spectacular examples of this are some important genes responsible for the structure of the mammalian placenta.

[rov1100]

Thanks for your knowledgable answers. I will follow up on this info.