Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sir pball

(4,958 posts)
11. Except crystals don't mutate and evolve
Sat Apr 4, 2020, 12:05 AM
Apr 2020

Viruses exist in the in-between, on the cusp of living and dead: they're absolutely subject to natural selection, can absolutely be classified taxonomically (IIRC they're the most genetically diverse group known) — but at the same time they don't metabolize, can't reproduce, have no independent nutritional requirements as such, a simple fleck of lipids and nucleic acids.

There's probably some kind of metaphysical discussion to be had here but it's far too late for that kind of thing.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Science»Bad News Wrapped in Prote...»Reply #11