Module 1: What is Evolution?

Evolution is the gradual change in characteristics of a species over generations that relies on the process of natural selection. Evolution is centered on the idea that all living organisms are somewhat related and progressively change over time. Based on the knowledge I acquired from Modern Genetics (BIOL 450), resemblances in both the physical structure and development of embryos are a communication of shared DNA, a direct outcome of common ancestry. The gradual change in the characteristics of a species relies on genetic variation. Genetic variation can be caused by mutations, random mating, random fertilization, and recombination of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Changes in the characteristics can also be affected by climate, culture, and the lifestyle of organisms. Genetic variation then enables natural selection. Natural selection plays a huge role in driving the evolution of life. In natural selection, individuals with environmentally selected traits are better able to adjust to the environment, survival of the fittest, and pass on the genes to the next generation. With time, generations of individuals with the favorable traits continue to survive, grow, and reproduce (ecological success), the trait becomes more and more common in a population. This results in the population being different from the ancestral one, or the existence of a new species all together.  

I think that evolution is more of a theory than it is a fact. The theory of evolution investigates how the evolutionary change occurs with time. The idea of how humans developed from apes has gone through thorough testing by making observations and conducting experiments over time to prove whether the idea is correct or incorrect. The science of evolution remains a vital field with many things still to be discovered. These new discoveries continue to expand one’s knowledge and understanding of the specific procedures and ways organisms have followed over the billions of years life has existed on earth. However, a fact is something that is true, something that was observed to have occurred, or something that has been proven to be true. A fact is an idea which can be verified by tangible evidence. Evolution has been observed to have occurred and there is evidence to support but, till today observations and experiments are still being conducted to determine if the evolution of man from apes is true or false. I am excited to know if my take to this question will be the same at completing this course!

Comments

  1. Elaine LaRocheFebruary 5, 2021 at 12:45 PM

    Hello Tashongedzwa (you'll have to teach me how to pronounce that!),

    You have a really solid base of knowledge from Modern Genetics, I believe that to be a great description of what and how evolution occurs.

    Although evolution is still a theory, it is considered a theory because of all the evidence and backing you mentioned. A scientific theory is something considered to essentially be true such as gravity. While the evidence we seek that humans and apes originated from the same origin might never be found, I don't think that should stop us from seeing the bigger picture of evolution. There is plenty of tangible evidence of evolution such as the microevolution we can see in our lifetimes!

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  Hello there! My name is Tashongedzwa Mataswa, an international student, originally from Zimbabwe. I am a senior majoring in Human Health Biology. I plan to study podiatric medicine starting next fall. I am most passionate about myself. Self-improvement, and future development are very important to me. Time with family and engaging in volunteer work are some of the things I feel good about choosing to do, not just for others, but for myself as well. Evolution and biology provide a sensible context for one to examine themselves and the larger environment they are a part of physiologically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. What fascinates me about evolution is the fact that we know so much about it then again, we know so little about it. Evolution can help one know through provided evidence what happened billions of years ago, but it is quite a challenge for one to know most of the bacteria that have lived in humans over time. My roommate's dog that has been bred to rescue he...
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