>
> PROF. TIM'S OUT-ON-A-LIMB HYPOTHESIS:
<clip>
> 4) And that at least some of those errors in copying can be proven to have
> an effect the replication rate of the copy.
>
>
> -Prof. Tim
How about studing the progression of a joke? Start with a brand new
joke in a school. Let the joke float around and at a certain point query
everyone to repeat the joke. Find out just how many variations there are
and what was the most common variation. Then once you have figured out
the most common variation tell the joke again to a far away school that
is unlikely to have heard the joke. To another far away school tell the
variation. Ideally both schools will have the same amount of students
and be similiar in as many repects as possible. After a set period of
time query the students of both schools. If more of them know the
variation in one school then the original in the other then you have
shown that the mutation of the joke increased its chances of survival!
For extra measure you might want to start with another joke again but
this time the variation and the original are started visa versa in the
two far away schools.
Nate Hall