Simon Conway Morris
Simon Conway Morris
Simon Conway Morris FRSis an English palaeontologist who is best known for his detailed and careful study of the fossils of the Burgess Shale, and of the scientific concept of Cambrian explosion. The results of these discoveries were celebrated in Wonderful Life by Stephen Jay Gould. Conway Morris's own book on the subject, The Crucible of Creation, however, is critical of Gould's presentation and interpretation...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionScientist
acid protein site
If one compares the sequence of amino acids that go to form the protein haemoglobin, it becomes apparent that humans and chimps are identical and do not differ in a single site ...
real world limits
The underlying reason for convergence seems to be that all organisms are under constant scrutiny of natural selection and are also subject to the constraints of the physical and chemical factors that severely limit the action of all inhabitants of the biosphere. Put simply, convergence shows that in a real world not all things are possible.
strong views embedded
I am puzzled that Conway Morris apparently doesn't grasp the equally strong (and inevitable) personal preferences embedded in his own view of life.
eye thinking should-have
I dont think an alien will be a blob. If aliens are out there they should have evolved just like us. They should have eyes and be walking on two legs. In short if there is any life out there then it is likely to be very similar to us.
unique icons issues
The Burgess Shale is not unique, but for those who study evolution and fossils it has become something of an icon. It provides a reference point and a benchmark, a point of common discussion and an issue of universal scientific interest.
hands way biting
The way Conway Morris goes about biting the hand that once fed him would make a shoal of piranha seem decorous.