How would you explain what evolution is?
I think evolution is the study of genomic mutations/adaptions that occur over time and in turn leads to physical changes in species. This is a broad explanation that does not cover all aspects of evolution. These changes usually benefit a species in the environment they are occupying. Evolution explains why we see variations within species. One example that we always talked about in my previous classes was the peppered moth. Peppered moths were usually a light color and were able to easily blend in with trees. However, once the industrial revolution started and trees became covered in soot, these moths stuck out to their prey. Thus, the peppered moths that were darker in color were able to survive more and lead to the persistence of the darker color pepper moth. Evolution is also used to explain more than just species variation, it also explains mating and social behaviors, biodiversity of specific areas, and spreading of diseases.
Do you think that evolution is a fact or a theory?
A theory is a set of concepts that explain data and predicts future events. A fact is something that is observed and can be measured. A theory does not mean a guess; theories are used to explain what is being observed. Theories can change because there may be a new explanation for observations that are being seen. I think evolution is a theory because it is used to explain what we observe in the world around us. It also is constantly changing because people are coming up with different ways to view evolution. I feel like evolution is more used as an explanation for physical changes we see, rather than something we observe and measure.
Well done, Taylor! I have one follow-up question for you pertaining to the last sentence: what is the difference between "physical changes we see" and "something we observe and measure"? It seems to me that is we can see physical changes, we should be able to observe and measure them? How does addressing this apparent contradiction impact your opinion about evolution as a fact or theory?
ReplyDeleteCheers, Michi
Hi Taylor! I think you did a great job at summarizing a general view of evolution in your first sentence and really hitting home on the point that evolutionary changes must occur in the genome. I enjoyed your peppered moth example. I think it is important as humans that we acknowledge that our actions can lead to evolutionary changes in species that might not have occurred if just nature was at work. It makes me wonder if we will look back over time and see the negative (or positive) evolutionary changes we caused other species to accumulate due to our dominant behavior. Based on our class Zoom discussion from last week, you perfectly hit on the difference between fact and theory. Theories are not guesses despite what the general public may think. I look forward to reading about the evidence you found for evolution in your Module 2 discussion posts!
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