Yeah, this is why I hesitated to use that example. I get that the filing gaps in DNA and parthenogenesis aspects cloud the analogy. >"What if a mutation happen

Yeah, this is why I hesitated to use that example. I get that the filing gaps in DNA and parthenogenesis aspects cloud the analogy. >"What if a mutation happened that completely negated the limiting effect of the genetic modifications that have been done." I wasn't suggesting mutation or evolution or inserted genes. I'm suggesting unintentional selection for a trait already present in the wild gene pool. Combined with the bottleneck intentionally created by the experiment, it could lead to the artificial magnification of a trait (amongst the surviving population) that's the opposite of what the experiment is trying to accomplish. It also makes it likely, not unlikely. The question will be what traits end up being selected for, and how drastically they will affect the genetic fitness of the gene pool. Similar to how antibiotic resistance emerges without ever inserting any specific genetics. Obviously without the benefit of horizontal exchange, but perhaps with other methods of genetic exchange... As the mosquito experiments seem to prove so far, with "infertile" males leaving remnants of their DNA in the surviving population. Which, being bred and distributed, is a different type of horizontal exchange, I suppose. Sidenote: While I wasn't initially including parthenogenic reproduction in my thoughts above, maybe I should have. Recent studies support the parthenogenic reproduction in a surprising number of zw species, including Komodo dragons, mourning geckos, whiptail lizards, some birds, snakes, and... moths. It's pretty fascinating, and more proof that Crichton knew what he was talking about, even if he didn't always fully grasp it. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidodactylus_lugubris https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidodactylus_lugubris https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis_in_squamata https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis_in_squamata https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZW_sex-determination_system https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZW_sex-determination_system