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Retrograde

(11,215 posts)
6. Evolution doesn't have a purpose
Thu May 3, 2012, 06:39 PM
May 2012

Genes mutate all the time, more or less randomly. Most mutations are harmful for the individual, some are neutral, a few confer some benefit that may make them more likely to reproduce. If the mutated individual passes on its genes they stay in the gene pool. If the mutation lets the individual stay alive long enough to reproduce it doesn't matter if it will have adverse effects on its post-reproductive life. There's no overall pre-ordained plan or direction.

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