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The first topic we learned is evolutionary theory, primarily Darwin’s. Evolution is a process where ancient organisms “change” to become modern organisms that we can find today. All life forms evolve from a specific common ancestor, specifically bacteria. Darwin was able to come up with his theory through extensive research done in the different continents of the world, visiting countries such as Argentina, Australia, the Galapagos Islands, and more. He found that there were similar ecosystems in different countries, albeit inhabited by different organisms. Through fossil evidence, Darwin was able to observe similarities in the structures of ancient organisms with modern organisms, and questioned some species disappeared and how these now-disappeared species relate to modern species. Throughout his research, Darwin observed various animals, such as the land tortoises of the Galapagos. His voyage had helped him propose his hypothesis for the evolutionary theory and all that it entails, such as natural selection, artificial selection, and so on.
After learning about Evolution, we studied about natural selection. Species that were better suited to their individual environments were the ones to survive, whereas the species that were not would eventually die off. The surviving species had a competitive advantage which is caused by a mutation in their genetic code, such as the polar bear. Natural selection can result in evolution, as new species (the surviving ones) can be diverged from their “parent” species. For natural selection to occur, there must be at least two varieties of a species, there must be differentiated survival and reproduction, genetic basis inherited from their parents, and advantageous traits that make them more common in the population.
In adaptation, we learned that diversity is one of the reasons why species need to adapt. Adaptation is defined by traits and characteristics that helps an organism survive. There are three types of adaptation: structure, chemical, and behavioral. Behavioral adaptation has three types of its’ own (camouflage, warning coloration, and mimicry).
After learning about Evolution, we studied about natural selection. Species that were better suited to their individual environments were the ones to survive, whereas the species that were not would eventually die off. The surviving species had a competitive advantage which is caused by a mutation in their genetic code, such as the polar bear. Natural selection can result in evolution, as new species (the surviving ones) can be diverged from their “parent” species. For natural selection to occur, there must be at least two varieties of a species, there must be differentiated survival and reproduction, genetic basis inherited from their parents, and advantageous traits that make them more common in the population.
In adaptation, we learned that diversity is one of the reasons why species need to adapt. Adaptation is defined by traits and characteristics that helps an organism survive. There are three types of adaptation: structure, chemical, and behavioral. Behavioral adaptation has three types of its’ own (camouflage, warning coloration, and mimicry).