Some of you may remember my 25 Aug 2010 and 28 Jan 2011 posts hammering creationists with a discussion of “Intelligent Design” that would require giving equal time for the idea of “Stupid Design.” I’ve now worked up a 5,000-word article that will be submitted for publication and am requesting additional input from fellow Kossacks, who have been extremely supportive and helpful. I go off on a riff about William Paley’s argument for design, in which he relates finding a watch in the middle of nowhere, and making him think that there must be a designer behind the watch. But suppose we find a whole batch if watch components lying around? Do we look to a designer again to explain the parts? My extended footnote, for which I am seeking additional organic tools/components, follows. Can anyone come up with gears, and other structures that have developed among organisms (microbes, plants, animals)? Many thanks.
Tools and structural components evolved by organisms
Harnessing solar energy- chlorophyll
Screw and nut (insect legs)
Levers- any skeletal muscles
Springs (tendons, insect legs)
Ratchet- actin and myosin operation
Wheel and axle- flagellum
Timers- circadian rhythms, sino-auricular node in heart
Polymers- cellulose, collagen, proteins
Two-phase structural materials- bone (collagen and apatite), crustacean exoskeleton
(chitin, magnesium carbonate, calcium phosphate)
Lubricants- mucus, synovial fluid
Explosives- Bombardier beetles
Deception- camouflage, mimicry
One-way valves- venous system
Pressure relief valve- Eustachian tube