Hello, Vino! You wrote on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:56:01 GMT:
??>> On 12 Sep 2006 13:41:02 -0700, "UC"
??>> wrote: ??>>
??>>> American species of grapes happen to have phlloxera ??>>> resistance because they needed it. It has nothing to do ??>>> with the poor quality of wine made from them. The two are ??>>> distinct. ??>>
??>> Yes... did I say anything to the contrary? ??>>
??>> My point was that ANY genetic variation from the clones ??>> usually used are likely to give inferior wine.
V> I think it would be more accurate to say that MOST genetic V> variations yield offspring that are inferior from an V> evolutionary standpoint but that SOMETIMES a genetic V> variation is beneficial, either from the standpoint of V> natural propagation of the species or, in the case of wine V> grapes, something that produces a better wine. In the latter V> case, the resulting clone, variety or species can then be V> cultivated (un-naturally in the case of wine grapes, as by V> using cuttings) and survive because of its usefulness rather V> than its natural survival characteristics.
The standard evolutionary theory that I was taught is in general agreement. Mutations occur all the time but, in a stable environment, the vast majority are unfavorable. On the other hand, in a changed or unstable situation, a mutation stands a better chance of being favorable for survival or propagation.
James Silverton Potomac, Maryland
E-mail, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.comcast.not