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How would that set off an evolutionary arms race? Isn't evolution a passive phenomenon - initiated by random mutation effected by chance and one that should be
by tempmast 11y ago
How would that set off an evolutionary arms race? Isn't evolution a passive phenomenon - initiated by random mutation effected by chance and one that should be unaffected by external circumstances like how many predators there are.
- ajross 11y agoMutation is a passive phenomenon. Evolution requires mutation and selection, and selection is very much subject to external circumstances. A mutation that makes an organism less likely to die from predation has no value in an environment without predators and won't be selected for. The same mutation in a sea of hungry enemies is a huge advantage and the organism that carries it will outcompete its relatives.