Evolution may be faster than previously thought

Back when I still harbored doubts about the theory of evolution I used to say that speciation has not actually been observed. This semi-inadvertent island lizard experiment is showing that the process of adaptation may be faster – a lot faster – than previously believed.

Researchers found that the lizards developed cecal valves—muscles between the large and small intestine—that slowed down food digestion in fermenting chambers, which allowed their bodies to process the vegetation’s cellulose into volatile fatty acids.

“They evolved an expanded gut to allow them to process these leaves,” Irschick said, adding it was something that had not been documented before. “This was a brand-new structure.”

Along with the ability to digest plants came the ability to bite harder, powered by a head that had grown longer and wider.

And that’s all just since 1971. It’s not quite speciation yet, but it’s sure heading that way.

Replacing Fatalism with Hope

Katheryn Lopez has a great interview with Michael Yon.

KATHRYN JEAN LOPEZ: What does it mean to be American “in the most romantic sense of the word” and why is it essential to counterinsurgency?

MICHAEL YON: Remember the scene in Lawrence of Arabia, where Peter O’Toole executes an Arab friend? “It was written,” Anthony Quinn tries to console him. Lawrence turns on him furiously and declares “Nothing is written.” It’s a very American moment in an English story. Americans live in a romance of possibility; we say “we can do it!” We reject fate.

Where’s the USAF Suggestion Box?

A good friend has a son in pilot training with the Air Force. He’s leaning toward the C-17 now in part because he’s not crazy about the way the Air Force is treating fighter pilots right now. Many are being shunted to “flying” Predators. The way it works is that a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is really an RPV (remotely piloted vehicle) and the Air Force, rightly I think, insists they be operated by licensed pilots.

As is pointed out in this article,

[M]any Air Force pilots prefer to fly fighter aircraft and look upon the UAV mission as a glorified desk job they try to avoid. Air Force officials admit that could take a change in the traditional “fighter jock” culture

I can completely understand a fighter jock not wanting that job. Someone who wants to fly wants to fly, dammit. I also understand the amazing and vital job UAV/RPVs are doing. Clearly we need pilots for them, too. But remember that one of the significant advantages to an RPV is that the pilot doesn’t need to be an eagle-eyed athlete. So here, for anybody in the USAF out-of-the-box department, is my proposed recruiting message:

The Air Force needs professional pilots to command UAVs. Our standards for professionalism and judgement are just as high as for fighter pilots – but not  the physical requirements. If your eyesight isn’t perfect, if you can’t pull gees, even if you’re over 40, then maybe we have the job for you. Because for every hour piloting a UAV on a combat or recon mission, you will have an hour of air time in one of these to keep your chops up.

I think a lot of people would sign up. Good pilots, too.

Well, would we?

Good question.