What does the mousetrap argument illustrate about complex adaptive traits?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking what the mousetrap argument demonstrates regarding complex adaptive traits, and it provides multiple choices to select from, indicating that it is a conceptual question related to evolutionary biology.
Answer
Illustrates irreducible complexity; complex traits can't evolve in small steps.
The mousetrap argument is often used to illustrate the concept of irreducible complexity, suggesting that certain complex adaptive traits cannot evolve through incremental changes because all parts are necessary for functionality.
Answer for screen readers
The mousetrap argument is often used to illustrate the concept of irreducible complexity, suggesting that certain complex adaptive traits cannot evolve through incremental changes because all parts are necessary for functionality.
More Information
The mousetrap analogy is famously used by Michael Behe to argue that some biochemical systems are too complex to have evolved through Darwinian processes. A mousetrap, like these systems, is considered irreducibly complex because it can't function if any part is missing.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that irreducible complexity proves intelligent design; evolution may still explain these traits in ways not considered by the argument.
Sources
- Irreducible complexity - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Of Mousetraps and Men: Behe on Biochemistry - ncse.ngo
- A Mousetrap Defended | Discovery Institute - discovery.org
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