Divine Evolution: Unveiling God's Plan with Weasel-a-Flex Program

Weasel: Investigating Deterministic Computer Demonstrations of Evolution

In Richard Dawkins' book, The Blind Watchmaker, he presented a computer program that he claimed demonstrated the inevitability of evolution through random changes and selection. This program, known as Weasel, aimed to show that cumulative selection of favorable random changes could lead to the generation of complex sequences. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dawkins carefully chose the parameters of the program to achieve the desired result. In addition, when more realistic values are used for these parameters, the number of generations required for convergence increases significantly, suggesting that naturalistic evolution is not feasible within a reasonable timeframe.

How Dawkins' Program Works

Dawkins' program starts with a target sequence of letters and generates a random sequence to represent the original "organism." Each generation involves copying the parent sequence multiple times, introducing random errors (mutations) in the process. The copies are then tested to determine which one is closest to the target sequence. The chosen copy becomes the parent for the next generation, and the process repeats until an exact match with the target sequence is achieved.

The Limitations of Dawkins' Weasel Program

1. Carefully Chosen Parameters: Dawkins' program relies on specific parameter values chosen by the programmer to achieve the desired outcome. Varying these parameters reveals that the program does not demonstrate the spontaneous generation of information through natural processes.

2. Realistic Values and Convergence: When more realistic values are used for parameters such as mutation rate and number of offspring, it becomes evident that achieving convergence (matching the target sequence) takes a significantly longer time. This suggests that evolution of organisms with long generation times and small numbers of offspring is not feasible within a uniformitarian timeframe.

3. Deterministic Exercise: It's important to note that Weasel is a deterministic exercise and cannot simulate real-world evolution. While it may provide insights into certain aspects of evolution, it does not accurately represent the complexity and unpredictability of natural evolutionary processes.

4. Target Amino Acid Sequences: Weasel allows the user to set up a target amino acid sequence and observe how mutations occur in the DNA base pairs. Due to redundancy in the genetic code, the dynamics of convergence differ from a simple alphabetical letter sequence. This highlights the challenges of evolving complex protein sequences.

5. Irreducible Complexity: Weasel fails to address the concept of irreducible complexity, which refers to systems that require multiple components working together to function. This poses a challenge to gradual step-by-step explanations for the origin of complex biological systems.

Weasel: A Stand-Alone Program

To counter Dawkins' claims, a stand-alone program called Weasel was developed, closely mimicking his original program while also providing additional options for exploration. The program allows users to customize parameters such as mutation rate, number of offspring, selection coefficient, and genome size.

Standard Models in Weasel

1. Dawkins Model (Default): This model replicates Dawkins' original program, converging on the target sequence within approximately 30 to 60 generations. Users can also input generation time to calculate the time taken for convergence.

2. Error Catastrophe Model: Error catastrophe occurs when genetic information is destroyed by mutations at a high rate, preventing selection from maintaining genome integrity and achieving convergence. In this model, the number of offspring is reduced, making it less likely for desirable mutations to occur and hindering convergence.

3. Adjusted Mutation Rate Model: Real-world mutation rates are much lower than those used in Dawkins' model. By applying more realistic mutation rates, this model demonstrates that evolution would progress at an extremely slow pace, unable to account for the vast amount of biological information observed.

4. DNA Model: This model focuses on the effects of mutations and selection on DNA sequences that code for proteins. It takes into account redundancy in the genetic code and the need for multiple mutations to convert one expressed amino acid into another. Convergence to a target sequence takes longer compared to the Dawkins model.

Why This Matters

Understanding the limitations and assumptions of computer simulations like Weasel is crucial for evaluating claims about the feasibility of evolutionary processes. By exploring alternative values for parameters and considering factors like irreducible complexity, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the challenges involved in generating complex biological information through random mutations and selection.

Think About It

1. How does the concept of irreducible complexity challenge gradual step-by-step explanations for the origin of complex biological systems?
2. What are some of the limitations and simplifications inherent in computer simulations of evolution like Weasel?
3. How does the use of realistic mutation rates affect the speed at which evolution could occur?
4. Why is it important to consider factors like population genetics, genetic drift, and sexual reproduction when studying evolutionary processes?
5. How does an understanding of the limitations of computer simulations inform our interpretation of scientific evidence and biblical perspectives on creation?