Divine Protection: Defeating Insecticide-Resistant Sheep Blowfly Infestations

Patterns of Change Over Time: Insecticide Resistance in the Australian Sheep Blowfly

The development of insecticide resistance in insect populations is a topic that has been extensively studied. In this article, we will focus on the insecticide resistance observed in Lucilia cuprina, commonly known as the Australian sheep blowfly. By understanding these patterns of change over time, we can gain a deeper understanding of biology from a creationist perspective. When studying patterns of change in creatures over time, it is important to evaluate changes in sexually reproducing organisms, as much research has been done at the molecular level with bacteria. In the case of insecticide resistance, Lucilia cuprina provides an excellent model for studying adaptive genetic changes in sexually reproducing animals.

Organophosphorus Resistance and Natural Selection

Lucilia cuprina has developed resistance to malathion, an organophosphorus insecticide used to control lice in sheep. This resistance is attributed to a point mutation in the LcαE7 gene, resulting in a Trp251Leu substitution. The mutation decreases the carboxylesterase activity while improving the enzyme's ability to break down dimethyl organophosphates (OPs), especially malathion. This suggests that the development of malathion-resistant L. cuprina populations can be explained by natural selection.

Diazinon Resistance and Gene Duplication

Diazinon is another organophosphorus insecticide used to directly control the Australian sheep blowfly. Resistance to diazinon is associated with a separate point mutation in the LcαE7 gene, resulting in a Gly137Asp substitution. This mutation abolishes carboxylesterase activity but confers a new OP hydrolase activity on the enzyme, making it more effective against diethyl OPs like diazinon.

Interestingly, this specific mutation for diazinon resistance has not been detected in any pinned specimens collected prior to OP use. The timing of the appearance of this mutation, corresponding with the use of diazinon, suggests that there may be more than random processes at work to allow for such dramatic adaptation.

Additionally, some strains of L. cuprina are resistant to both malathion and diazinon through gene duplication. Three different gene duplications have been identified, each involving a resistant form of the gene. This suggests that gene duplication may be a designed adaptive mechanism rather than just an accidental occurrence.

Laboratory Development of Resistance

In laboratory experiments, blowfly populations exposed to low doses of diazinon did not show significant differences in responses between susceptible and mutagenized strains. However, when exposed to high concentrations of diazinon, mutagenized flies with the resistant allele survived while susceptible flies did not.

Similar findings have been observed in bacteria, where exposure to increasing levels of radiation resulted in the selection of desired mutants. The mutations observed in blowflies and bacteria are costly in terms of loss of normal function, suggesting that these changes are generally resisted by organisms.

Evolving Ideas of Evolutionists

The traditional neo-Darwinian view of random mutations driving variability is being challenged by recent theories such as natural genetic engineering and facilitated variation. These theories propose that genetic and metabolic systems within organisms can be understood in terms of computer programming.

Facilitated variation theory suggests that living things possess properties such as modularity, reusability, and robustness, which allow for genetic variation and adaptation. These properties reduce the number of genetic changes needed for phenotypic change and increase the number of targets for regulatory change.

While these theories assume a naturalistic explanation for the origin of these properties, they provide useful concepts for creationists to explain the remarkable variation within created kinds (baramins) and the ability of creatures to adapt to changing environments. Studying the development of insecticide resistance in Lucilia cuprina is essential for understanding the types of changes that occur in living things. By observing these patterns of change, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world God created and how He sustains it in its fallen condition.

It is intriguing to note that evolutionists are increasingly describing living things in terms of programming. As humans, who were created in God's image, become proficient at programming, it is logical to assume that God Himself is a highly proficient programmer.

Scientific research continues to reveal the complexity and design of creatures, as well as their ability to adapt to environmental challenges. These facts challenge naive naturalistic explanations of the origin of life. Therefore, further research in this area holds great promise for creationary researchers.