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To: gore3000
[In other words, the three *characteristics* which make an army ant what it is (1. foraging in groups -- most non-army ants use scouts, 2. nomadic lifestyle -- most non-army ants nest in one place, 3. flightless queens which can pump out *millions* of eggs) came into being 100 million years ago and have persisted ever since. Needless to say, that's quite a different thing than the much more general "army ants haven't changed a bit" claim the reporter made.]

They have had these traits for 100 million years for heaven's sake, how can you say that this is makes the reporter's statement that '"because since the reign of the dinosaurs, about 100 million years ago, army ants in essence have not changed a bit"."

Could I have that question again in a way that makes sense, please?

If you meant to write, "how can I say that this makes the reporter's statement *inaccurate*", it's because there's a vast difference between, "three particular traits have persisted" for 100 million years, as compared to, "the ants have not changed A BIT" over the same period.

Example for the dim: While it's accurate to say that I still have a nose, fingers, and knees (three particular traits) after the 40+ years of life since my birth, it's *not* accurate to say that my body "hasn't changed a bit" over the same period.

Do you have a problem with reading comprehension or what????

No, not at all -- which is why I can recognize and point out the great difference between what the study said, and what the press release said.

I find it amazing that you *can't*. Or that you pretend you can't. Neither option inspires confidence.

1,863 posted on 05/30/2003 5:31:49 PM PDT by Ichneumon
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To: Ichneumon
What noble work you do. Just wanted you to know that it is appreciated.
1,867 posted on 05/30/2003 5:45:53 PM PDT by balrog666 (When in doubt, tell the truth. - Mark Twain)
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