What is Evolution?
How have humans surpassed the intellectual capability of every living creature on our Earth? How have similar species of isolated birds transition into unique species solely due to time and their environment? The answer to these questions and countless others is evolution. I perceive evolution to mean the improvement of a species over generations due to a variety of reasons such as competition, lack of resources, reproduction, defense, and more. I do believe that the broad concept of evolution has been provided with an immense amount of evidence and it would be extremely difficult to effectively rebut the existence of evolution within our world. However, I do not believe evolution maintains a static definition due to the complex and dynamic life that encompasses the field of Biology. If one refers to the short history of mankind, it is evident that we have routinely proposed, accepted, and defended concepts that modern humans would deem preposterous such as the theory of a geocentric universe. On the contrary, even though we are often mistaken, it seems that through time, cooperation, and the proper environments, humans have been able to reject topics deemed factual thanks to our innovation and curiosity. In another 1000 years the idea of evolution may seem entirely ridiculous, but with the current amount of evidence and professional consensus, I assert evolution in itself is factual, but I also maintain that the specifics of evolution may present more of a problem as humans continue to explore the subject.
Hey Hunter! This is an awesome blog post. I agree that evolution is the improvement of a species over generations. I really like the fact that you point out how we have "routinely proposed, accepted, and defended concepts" because that is entirely accurate and a great thing to talk about. You had a great explanation of what you think evolution is!
ReplyDeleteHi Hunter
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! When you say evolution leads to the "improvement" of species, what do you mean? What is actually being improved? Does evolution ever lead to perfection?
CHeers, Michi
Thank you for questioning this ambiguity I included in my blog posts. To clarify on my comment regarding the improvement of a species, I will utilize a few examples on what this might entail. By asserting evolution is an improvement, I consider an improvement to be any genotypic or phenotypic trait in a given species, that allows said members of that species to thrive in their environment. These advantageous alterations vary but examples of "improvements" in prey species may be certain offspring living longer due to different shades of exterior color that allow them to evade more predators through better camouflage. In a predatory species, improvements attributed to evolution may involve the heightening of certain senses crucial to catching and killing their prey. Specifically, the relationship between species of hawks and field mice reflect how these evolutionary traits "improve" over time. Furthermore, it is this predator/prey example that can be utilized to answer the question, "does evolution lead to perfection?" Simply put, the answer is almost certainly no. This is due to the unfathomable complexity that exists in the biological world and the multitude of species that influence one another's evolutionary path. Hawks are notorious for their incredible binocular vision, as some species are able to spot a field mice over 100 feet away. However, as more hawks spot and kill field mice, it is the field mice that blend in with their environment that will evade the fate of their more vibrant counterparts. This causes the mice population to dwindle while the hawks population will start to climb. Eventually, there will be an imbalance in the predator/prey ratio causing the hawks with the best vision to thrive, while less fortunate hawks and their alleles, are out competed in the resource deficient environment. To specifically answer if evolution leads to perfection though, envision the scenario where a species of hawk's vision is vastly superior to any evolutionary trait a population of field mice may muster, that the hawk species eradicates the field mice population. This reflects how evolution nearing perfect, will ultimately not only hinder the species itself, but the entire ecological system in which it exists.
DeletePerhaps the nearest example we have of evolution leading to perfection is ourselves. While humans are surely imperfect, we are extremely intelligent when compared to all biological species and have evolved to utilize aspects of the world that no other animal could fathom. However, just as the hawk/field mice example explicated above, it is this evolutionary imbalance between species that has caused the human population to take advantage of the biological world and drive less evolved species to endangerment and extinction.
Hi Hunter! I think you raise some really good points about what is accepted now as factual or to be true might be proven wrong as more evidence/information is uncovered. As we continue to search for evidence, we might find that evolution is more complex than what we already know about it! I also think Michi poses a great question about your definition of evolution-what does it mean for a mutation/adaptation to be an improvement? Do you mean that it is more likely that the most advantageous qualities are likely to be passed down and persist in a population? All great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHi Hunter,
ReplyDeleteI agree that evolution involves many reasons depending on what is beneficial to the species. Some results of evolution can vary from physical features to small changes in DNA. I also agree that as we progress and become more educated, we will find new evidence. One question I have that is similar to the other comments, is does any adaptation count as an improvement? Or just ones that are truly beneficial?