Uncommon Descent Serving The Intelligent Design Community

Fish Have a Toolbox and Several Other Findings

Cornelius Hunter
June 28, 2014
Intelligent Design
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Electric organs in fish have challenged evolution ever since Darwin and a new study published today peered even deeper into the problem, down to the genetic level. First let’s see what Darwin had to say (from the section entitled “Special Difficulties of the Theory of Natural Selection,” pages 150-1 of the Sixth Edition of the Origin of Species):  Read more

Comments
There is a reason why Aristotelianism persisted for almost two thousand years.
And still does! Mung
Platypus can do the electric thing too... http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/06/26/the-shocking-truth-about-electric-animals/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=link_twngm20140627electric-animals&utm_campaign=Content&sf3460524=1 ppolish
You might enjoy Professor Joe Meisel's colorful presentation: http://www.physics.wisc.edu/undergrads/courses/208-f07/HonorsLectures/Biological%20Electric%20Fields%20-%20Meisel.pdf While unconfirmed, some people believe the giant otter shrew, Potamogale velox, might also be electrogenic---maybe they were able to steal some tools from the genetic toolbox, whatever that might be. -Q Querius
In any of these articles do the researchers suggest connections between the ability of sharks to detect electrical fields with their snouts? Or any connection to the Lateral Lines in fish? The ability to detect electricity seems to be widespread in fish (and sharks and rays). But the ability to generate a significant amount of it seems to be rare. I'm also guessing that NONE of the aquatic mammals have picked up the ability to either sense or broadcast electricity. I guess mammals don't have the right toolbox. mahuna

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