Genetics

Jacob Groth jgroth at ns.net
Thu Sep 23 18:20:11 EDT 1999


Anne wrote:

"You may observe this happening in the human race and the species we
choose to adopt."

The analogy of genetic impact on human populations is not valid because
Homo sapiens are a K-strategist (genetically speaking).  That is, humans
are long lived, take many years to become sexually mature, and do not have
multiple annual generations.  Natural selection acts slowly on
K-strategists due to low population turnover.  The exact opposite is true
for lepidoptera.  Monarchs can multiply 4-5 or more generations in one year
and have great numeric offspring.

"And surely in the neighborhood there's a vacant lot the kids can
adopt. "

You have a very limited mindset as to how peole live across America.  What
about inner city kids who do not have resources such as this?  Why is it
wrong for them to order a small caterpillar kit from Monarch Watch?  This
kit that you claim could be harmful, could actually create a future
butterfly conservationist.  Many of us have had experiences in our
childhood that we can point to that made us butterfly enthusiasts.  Why
limit butterfly observation to only the "elite" who can afford to take time
off and travel to remote areas to observe them in the wild?  I think the
distribution of kits such as this have a far reaching long term benefit to
the well being of the future of the butterflies.

"You are demanding that we allow a few people, who wish to make money
from butterflies, to ply their trade at the expense of quite a few
scientists and other butterfly lovers."

I am not demanding anything of you.  What is the expense that quite a few
scientists and butterfly lovers have to sacrifice because of commercial
breeders?  Is Lincoln Brower evil because he makes money from butterflies? 
Or any other person who has a career surrounding butterflies?  

"Enormous genetic disruptions are taking place ..."

Huh?  This makes no sense whatsoever.  What genetic disruptions are taking
place?  Is it a genetic disruption when all the monarchs migrate at the end
of the year and breed with butterflies that originated a thousand miles
away?  Do you think they only chose butterflies from their area to mate
with in Mexico?  Think about it.  They all get mixed up genetically EVERY
YEAR.  How could they survive this if a small transfer, according to you,
would create ENORMOUS GENETIC DISRUPTIONS?  Please answer this with facts
and science, not opinion.

Jacob

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