[meteorite-list] Impact extinction events accelerate evolution?

From: Steve Dunklee <sdunklee72520_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:17:32 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <501925.62525.qm_at_web33208.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

  Was it the repeated impact events in the primordial soup that caused the chemical changes that sparked the creation of life on earth?
  Current science shows that environmental factors cause mutations in DNA. Instead of being detrimental to life and genetic diversity. Might the repeated impact extinction events ,actually caused an increase in genetic mutations? Or do the mutation rates remain the same?
  Have there been any studies done where the conditions after an extinction event have been recreated over several generations ,to see if there is an increase in mutations over a control group in small mammals?This would probably require subjecting a group of mice to cold conditions,with a near starvation diet in the dark for several years.and comparing the mutation rate to a control group. and also having a group exposed to high temperatures, a starvation diet and high lighting and low light for comparison of genetic mutation rates.
   There may already be such studies out there somewhere. If any list member have any links or further information to them ,this troll would appreciate it!

Have a great day

Steve



      
Received on Fri 31 Oct 2008 11:17:32 AM PDT