Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id OAA09943 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Wed, 15 May 2002 14:09:33 +0100 From: <rrecchia@mail.clarityconnect.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 09:07:33 -0400 To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Subject: Re: pls direct me to a memetics list <eom> X-Mailer: WorldClient Pro 2.2.1 In-Reply-To: <B9073D77.322%sd014a6399@blueyonder.co.uk> Message-ID: <1190654657-2510053@smtp.clarityconnect.com> Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Drew <sd014a6399@blueyonder.co.uk>
To: <memetics@mmu.ac.uk>
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 22:17:28 +0100
Subject: Re: pls direct me to a memetics list <eom>
> Hi Ray
>
>that sub heading.
>
> I agree.
> >
> > Variation is a good topic. A discussion of the different ways that
> > variation is introduced in memetic systems would be interesting.
> Pure
> > random variation is not even seen in genetics, but memes seem to get
> > varied using a number of different mechanisms.
>
> I thought that the calculations for the 'Eve theory' were based upon
> the
> idea that there was some random variation in the mitochondrial DNA?
That was an overly broad statement on my part. I probably should have
said MOST of the variation. I was thinking in terms of higher level large
segment manipulation of DNA through crossing-over and jumping genes. I
don't think crossing over occurs in mitochondria but I'm not sure about
jumping genes.
> Secondly, what part does radiation play if not random variation.?
>
The key is the word 'random'. While some variation in memes comes about
because of purely random errors in reproduction, I think we can say that
much more of it comes about through more directed variation. So for
example if someone gave you a new wrench that was improved by having a
better gripping surface and you wanted to improve it you would be more
likely to introduce additional variation in the gripping surface rather
than painting smiley faces on it.
I like to think of this as directed pre-reproductive variation and
selection. Others have referred to it as 'Lamarckian'.
Ray Recchia
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