X-Message-Number: 26202 Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 10:34:47 -0400 From: Thomas Donaldson <> Subject: Now really here.. to Basie To Basie, once more re evolution: I have no idea what you mean by "niche area" in your message. In any sensible definition, the niche area of mice is much larger than that of elephants. If by "niche area" you mean that the volume of safe space in which mice can live with no danger, then you're basically agreeing with what I said while refusing to admit your agreement. Moreover you still haven't dealt with your mistake in confusing levels. Suppose that you DO have a definition of "niche area" which makes sense, then that doesn't touch the issue of just how this niche area results in much shorter lifespans. I pointed out that inbreeding wasn't automatically negative. I will go on to point out that most lab animals are very highly inbred, to the extent that lab mice or rats of the same strain can happily take tissues from others of their strain with no problem --- tissues, not just blood. So we just end up with a strain of very long-lived animals which are highly inbred. You haven't even cited any sources for this idea. So far from what you've said, I would not retract my opinion. Whoever thought up the theory on the evolution of lifespan that you have given deserves a mark of "F" otherwise known as Failure. Best wishes and long long life to all, Thomas Donaldson Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=26202