Two and a half centuries ago, no human had ever flown, though our forebears wanted to do so. Now we have evolved to be able to fly around the world in 92 minutes. But we assume flight is a positive thing. It uses huge amounts of energy, and unless predators are near, is useless. Thus, birds such as penguins and kiwis have evolved away from that ability. Evolution has no teleology – there are no goals (except survival) – flight is not always better than no flight.
Actually, penguins are proof of evolution. They had no need to fly, but did have the need to swim fast to escape predators. Thus their wings evolved into flippers, to aid in fast swimming.
wcorvi about 7 years ago
Two and a half centuries ago, no human had ever flown, though our forebears wanted to do so. Now we have evolved to be able to fly around the world in 92 minutes. But we assume flight is a positive thing. It uses huge amounts of energy, and unless predators are near, is useless. Thus, birds such as penguins and kiwis have evolved away from that ability. Evolution has no teleology – there are no goals (except survival) – flight is not always better than no flight.
Sisyphos about 7 years ago
None of this flapping around in court! Bailiff! Clip the witness’s wings!
Joliet Jake about 7 years ago
Actually, penguins are proof of evolution. They had no need to fly, but did have the need to swim fast to escape predators. Thus their wings evolved into flippers, to aid in fast swimming.