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Date: | Thu, 9 Jun 2005 12:18:33 -0400 |
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ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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There is a wonderful cartoon book on evolution, called the Sandwalk
Adventures (http://www.jayhosler.com/Sandwalk.html) that I just received
after months on back-order at Amazon. In the lengthy end notes there is
an excellent discussion on fitness. The author, Jay Hosler, a biology
professor at Juniata College in PA reminds his readers that fitness is
defined only by how many offspring you have.
Dave Smith, Da Vinci Discovery Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Eric Siegel
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 11:40 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Evolution frantics, semantics and romantics
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
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Speaking of semantics, I am struck by the drift of the word "fit" (as
in survival of the fittest). It now synonymous with buff, or tough,
or strong. As I understand it, the original meaning (not from
Darwin, but from Malthus? I think) was those qualities which make the
organism most "fit" the environment. Does that seem right?
Eric Siegel
Executive VP
Programs and Planning
NY Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368
www.nyscience.org
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