In a message dated 05/11/05 22:22:15 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

<<Sometimes folks are
describing the idea (new characteristics  are acquired through
interaction with the environment and are passed on to  progeny) and are
not even aware of the  fact.>>



True, but I've also noticed a tendency to dismiss  all suggestion of genetic
change in a strain as a result of small cell as  'Lamarckianism' when this
isn't necessarily the case. It seems that some strains  downsize more easily than
others, so it's likely that continued use of small  cell will filter out
genotypes which have trouble making the transition. The  result, over several
generations, may well be a genetically smaller bee due, not  to the appearance of
new genetics, but to simple selection.

    Regards,

    Robert Brenchley

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