ORFans are putative genes that are only found in a single species or in a small number of closely related species. They are interesting examples of evolution. Creationists have focused on the large number of putative ORFans that have been reported in the scientific literature in order to cast doubt on evolutionary theory.
In today's Panda's Thumb Ian Musgrave has posted a long and excellent article on ORFans [Inordinately Fond of Viruses: ORFans and Intelligent Design]. It's a perfect example of how to refute a creationist ... in this case Paul Nelson.1
1. I know. It's usually about as difficult as shooting fish in a barrel. But in this case Ian is making a number of important points that also challenge some scientists who are confused about ORFans.
Ian MusgrAve.
ReplyDeleteI bet you say "aboot", too.