> Michael is correct, evolution will settle in around the optimal. But optimal > is what it is given many other dimensions besides "performance", for example > the technology available while the evolution is going on. The form the Inuit > et al evolved over thousands of years was perfected within the constraints > of what they could build. What if they had roto-molding and modern composite > lay-up techniques as well as titanium to work with? Is it possible that the > optimal they arrived at would lie in a different place? Perhaps so. Evolution usually does not settle in any one place. Evolution of animals has resulted in enormous diversity. There are MANY optimal points for thousand of niche situations. As for Inuit kayak design, it is easy to assume that the "popular" forms adopted by the Western world represented the "peak" of some evolutionary process. But, as best I can tell, there was more diversity of form of the kayak before it was adapted by Westerners than what I see now floating around in America where boats are quite similar. There is no best kayak design. The native American boats were quite diverse in form and function reflecting varying needs, experience, traditions and materials. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed May 11 2005 - 20:33:00 PDT
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