Your Dark Ages viewpoint aside, this is still true: if only the ones without tusks survive, then only the ones without tusks will breed. If being tuskless was a genetic mutation that was already in existence, then it will eventually become a dominant trait within the elephant population. This is evolution.
Miriam, I think his issues is probably with “In Response To” in which case he is correct. Evolution has no means or ability to “respond.” Had it said “as a byproduct of poaching” then it’d be accurate. If you’ve ever read a scientific journal you’d understand that a writers choice of words matters - that is partially why they are peer reviewed. The original assertion probably came from the kids at Reddit so improper wording is understandable.
Your Dark Ages viewpoint aside, this is still true: if only the ones without tusks survive, then only the ones without tusks will breed. If being tuskless was a genetic mutation that was already in existence, then it will eventually become a dominant trait within the elephant population. This is evolution.
Miriam, I think his issues is probably with “In Response To” in which case he is correct. Evolution has no means or ability to “respond.” Had it said “as a byproduct of poaching” then it’d be accurate. If you’ve ever read a scientific journal you’d understand that a writers choice of words matters - that is partially why they are peer reviewed. The original assertion probably came from the kids at Reddit so improper wording is understandable.