Robert Brenchley wrote:
>
> <<There are several definitions of evolution, micro, macro ect.
> But this is not evolution, it is still a mite.
> Donald>>
>
>     When is evolution not evolution? At what point does non-evolution become
> evolution, and if it doesn't, what stops it?

Maybe the problem is definitions. What is happening to the mites is no
different than any organisms response to environmental pressures. Humans
do not evolve- become a new distinct species- because some have genetic
differences and respond differently to disease. We are still Homo
Sapiens. The mite does not become Varroa Apistanis but stays VD.

Granted, all living things evolve or disappear, but the fundamental step
of evolving to a new distinct species involves much more than having
tolerance or not to a pesticide/disease.  This is especially true since
what I have seen indicates VD will revert to its less tolerant but
apparently more adaptable state when pesticide pressures are removed.
Evolution generally apples to a more stable situation than this.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Me