its present form, without photosynthesis. Thus=20
chemosynthesis could not have come before photosynthesis.=20
Q.E.D.
Ref:
Allen, J.F. (1995) Nature 376, 26 and references therein.
Of course, way back on the primitive earth the whole system=20
may have started using energy from a source we do not now=20
know. Darwin understood the important implication that if=20
such organisms should arise today ("in a small pond") they=20
would be instantly gobbled up by the more successful=20
organisms alive today. If chemosynthesis arose first, it is=20
most unlikely to have been of the kind we now see.
John Allen
_____________________________________
John F. Allen
Department of Plant Cell Biology
Lund University
Box 7007
S-220 07 LUND
Sweden
Tel: +46 46 2224987 or 2227788 (direct)
FAX: +46 46 2223684 or 2224009 (direct)
Email: john.allen at placebio.lu.se
Further information on URL:
gopher://classic.placebio.lu.se/11ftp:VCB classic HD:
