Encyclopedia of Evolution.pdf - Online Reading Center

ability. In fact, some transposons are activated at times
of environmental stress, and they can sometimes activate
pseudogenes when they come to rest in a new location.
Thus, during times of environmental challenge, a population
of organisms can generate greater genetic diversity,
which may allow more rapid evolution. But how can a creationist
say that all noncoding DNA is useful, because it
might be needed for future evolution, if they do not even
accept evolution?
Vestigial characteristics, even when they have some utility,
therefore represent evidence either of the remnants of pre-
vestigial characteristics
vious evolutionary history or of evolution still in the process
of occurring.
Further Reading
Espinasa, Luis, and Monika Espinasa. “Why do cave fish lose their
eyes? A Darwinian mystery unfolds in the dark.” Natural History,
June 2005, 44–49.
Gould, Stephen Jay. “Hen’s teeth and horse’s toes.” Chap. 14 in
Hen’s Teeth and Horse’s Toes. New York: Norton, 1983.
Rice, Stanley A. “South with the spring: A study of evolution and
tree buds.” National Center for Science Education Reports 23
(2003): 27–32.