Unit 7 Lesson 4: BioFlexBook Questions
(1) Describe the life of Charles Darwin. What were his motivations to study science?
Charles Darwin was born on February 12th, 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. Even at the young age of eight Darwin had a curiosity with the natural sciences and history, collecting insects in a day school run by a neighborhood preacher. After the death of Darwin's mother, he started an apprenticeship as a doctor, assisting his father treat the poor of Shropshire.
Soon after, he started attending the University of Edinburgh, the best medical school in England at the time. While attending school, he learned taxidermy from a freed black slave by the name of John Edmonstone, who later accompanied Darwin on his journey through the South American rainforest. Darwin looked up to John, at one point being quoted calling him "(a) very pleasant and intelligent man." During Darwin's second year at Edinburgh University, he joined the Plinian Society, a student lead natural history school. There he assisted in many studies, one of which was Robert Edmond Grant's investigation of the life cycle and anatomy of marine invertebrates. Darwin became bored of the discussions that were facilitated in the group about marine mineral geology, so he left and started learning classifications of plants, assisting with work in the University museum.
His lack of interest in medical studies annoyed his father shrewdly, sent him to Christ's college, where he studied towards becoming an Anglican parson. Darwin's time at the school lead him to consider the role of divine design in nature. He studied Paley's Natural Theology, which explained adaptation as God acting through laws of nature. In contrast Darwin also studied the books of John Herschel, who described the highest aim of natural philosophy as understanding such always through inductive reasoning based on observation.
(2) Describe Darwin's journey onboard the H.M.S. Beagle. Where did he travel and what were some of his most notable observations?
In 1831 when Darwin was 22 he went on a scientific experiment aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. He collected samples of plants, animals rocks and also fossils. On the Beagle he traveled to South America, Africa, Europe and Australia. He found rocks containing sea shell fossils in mountains above sea level which made him believe that the ocean used to be much higher, this was a key observation.
(3) Provide a brief synopsis of On the Origin of Species. When was it published? Was it controversial? Why and by whom? What evidence did Darwin use in support of his theory?
On the Origin of Species was published on November 24,1859. The book introduced Darwins theory of evolution over the courses of generations through natural selection. Darwin used the evidence he obtained when he was aboard the Beagle sailing around the world.
(4) Is his theory still supported today? In whole or in part?
Darwin's Origin of Species theory is fully supported today by most, if not all scientists.
(5) Is Darwin’s presentation of evolution anti-religion?
Up until recently Darwin's theory contradicted with religious thought on the origin of life. The Vatican in 2009 has come to accept evolution as compatible with religion.
Charles Darwin was born on February 12th, 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. Even at the young age of eight Darwin had a curiosity with the natural sciences and history, collecting insects in a day school run by a neighborhood preacher. After the death of Darwin's mother, he started an apprenticeship as a doctor, assisting his father treat the poor of Shropshire.
Soon after, he started attending the University of Edinburgh, the best medical school in England at the time. While attending school, he learned taxidermy from a freed black slave by the name of John Edmonstone, who later accompanied Darwin on his journey through the South American rainforest. Darwin looked up to John, at one point being quoted calling him "(a) very pleasant and intelligent man." During Darwin's second year at Edinburgh University, he joined the Plinian Society, a student lead natural history school. There he assisted in many studies, one of which was Robert Edmond Grant's investigation of the life cycle and anatomy of marine invertebrates. Darwin became bored of the discussions that were facilitated in the group about marine mineral geology, so he left and started learning classifications of plants, assisting with work in the University museum.
His lack of interest in medical studies annoyed his father shrewdly, sent him to Christ's college, where he studied towards becoming an Anglican parson. Darwin's time at the school lead him to consider the role of divine design in nature. He studied Paley's Natural Theology, which explained adaptation as God acting through laws of nature. In contrast Darwin also studied the books of John Herschel, who described the highest aim of natural philosophy as understanding such always through inductive reasoning based on observation.
(2) Describe Darwin's journey onboard the H.M.S. Beagle. Where did he travel and what were some of his most notable observations?
In 1831 when Darwin was 22 he went on a scientific experiment aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. He collected samples of plants, animals rocks and also fossils. On the Beagle he traveled to South America, Africa, Europe and Australia. He found rocks containing sea shell fossils in mountains above sea level which made him believe that the ocean used to be much higher, this was a key observation.
(3) Provide a brief synopsis of On the Origin of Species. When was it published? Was it controversial? Why and by whom? What evidence did Darwin use in support of his theory?
On the Origin of Species was published on November 24,1859. The book introduced Darwins theory of evolution over the courses of generations through natural selection. Darwin used the evidence he obtained when he was aboard the Beagle sailing around the world.
(4) Is his theory still supported today? In whole or in part?
Darwin's Origin of Species theory is fully supported today by most, if not all scientists.
(5) Is Darwin’s presentation of evolution anti-religion?
Up until recently Darwin's theory contradicted with religious thought on the origin of life. The Vatican in 2009 has come to accept evolution as compatible with religion.
Unit 7 Lesson 6: Origin of Species/Struggle of Existence
Emilio Lopez
Biology (D)
May 5, 2014
Chapter III
Struggle for Existence
In the Origin of Species chapter three, “Struggle for Existence,” Darwin begins writing about the main topics he wrote about in chapter two. According to Darwin, any new ability an organism possesses, no matter what species you are, no matter how big or small, no matter how alone you are, “all organic beings are exposed to severe competition” (63). He describes that these adaptations to be everywhere. Darwin says, “We see beautiful adaptations everywhere and in every part of the organic world” (62). Darwin suspects, many unique organic characteristics, from a parasite being small to giraffes having long necks are these amazing traits that give them advantages in the world. He explains how traits are sent through the offspring. The process that the trait goes through, from parent one to offspring, then from the offspring one to another offspring two, and so on, will lead to the trait having problems like changing.When reproduction occurs, an offspring cell is created from two different parent organisms. This combines the trait to create new, but subtle differences in the traits. It is possible that there is also external forces that act as a factor in the organisms trait possession. Organisms at the top of the food chains can destroy any new creatures that pose threats to them completely removing the trait together.
As I mentioned in the first paragraph, according to Darwin, no matter what species you are, no matter how big or small you are, no matter how alone you are, “all organic beings are exposed to severe competition” (63). Darwin uses the phrase “struggle for existence” mainly for the reason that there is a need of better words. Darwin means that all organisms are dependent on one another (to some extent) and life is not only about individuals but is about an accomplishment in leaving offspring. Darwin believes that this struggle for existence is necessary for the Earth. The reason why there is a struggle and species are dead is because of space issues. Darwin adds about his theory and where the, "struggle for existence" occurred the most. Something interesting Darwin points out is about how conflict is not just determined by two different species going against each other. A number of species factor in to a contrasting species competition to directly survive. Depending on what genus you're from, it does not matter because the smallest actions an organism makes causes a chain reaction that the largest organisms can be affected.
Biology (D)
May 5, 2014
Chapter III
Struggle for Existence
In the Origin of Species chapter three, “Struggle for Existence,” Darwin begins writing about the main topics he wrote about in chapter two. According to Darwin, any new ability an organism possesses, no matter what species you are, no matter how big or small, no matter how alone you are, “all organic beings are exposed to severe competition” (63). He describes that these adaptations to be everywhere. Darwin says, “We see beautiful adaptations everywhere and in every part of the organic world” (62). Darwin suspects, many unique organic characteristics, from a parasite being small to giraffes having long necks are these amazing traits that give them advantages in the world. He explains how traits are sent through the offspring. The process that the trait goes through, from parent one to offspring, then from the offspring one to another offspring two, and so on, will lead to the trait having problems like changing.When reproduction occurs, an offspring cell is created from two different parent organisms. This combines the trait to create new, but subtle differences in the traits. It is possible that there is also external forces that act as a factor in the organisms trait possession. Organisms at the top of the food chains can destroy any new creatures that pose threats to them completely removing the trait together.
As I mentioned in the first paragraph, according to Darwin, no matter what species you are, no matter how big or small you are, no matter how alone you are, “all organic beings are exposed to severe competition” (63). Darwin uses the phrase “struggle for existence” mainly for the reason that there is a need of better words. Darwin means that all organisms are dependent on one another (to some extent) and life is not only about individuals but is about an accomplishment in leaving offspring. Darwin believes that this struggle for existence is necessary for the Earth. The reason why there is a struggle and species are dead is because of space issues. Darwin adds about his theory and where the, "struggle for existence" occurred the most. Something interesting Darwin points out is about how conflict is not just determined by two different species going against each other. A number of species factor in to a contrasting species competition to directly survive. Depending on what genus you're from, it does not matter because the smallest actions an organism makes causes a chain reaction that the largest organisms can be affected.
Unit 7 Lesson 7: BioFlexBook
(1) Define the following concepts and relate them to Darwin's Theory: descent with modification; survival of the fittest; natural selection; random genetic mutations.
The concept descent with modification shows that different species could inherit traits from ancestors. These genes are passed through the genes over time. The next concept, survival of the fittest, is a term in which organisms can reproduce the most. Natural selection is the idea that evolution occurs when genes are selected randomly to change giving the organism an edge. Lastly, he talks about random genetic mutations. Some factors can play into a gene being mutated, but its not for sure.
(2) How would Darwin define progress in terms of adaptation and evolution?
In terms of adaptation and evolution, Adaptations, at the very main level, is a random process. An organism has many variations of one trait. However, in the overall scheme of things, evolution by no means is a random process. Nature decide the organisms that are better suited to survive and reproduce.
(3) Where does Darwin position human beings in his scheme of evolution? What implication does his theory hold for society?
Darwin says that humans are similar to organisms. Humans, are always changing and evolving, and have to keep evolving until it is "perfect," just like any other organisms.
(4) Does Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggest an optimistic or a pessimistic view of the world?
Darwin's theory of natural selection is more optimistic because it shows how organisms are able to be fit and reproduce, creating offspring with the same beneficial mutation the parents pass down
The concept descent with modification shows that different species could inherit traits from ancestors. These genes are passed through the genes over time. The next concept, survival of the fittest, is a term in which organisms can reproduce the most. Natural selection is the idea that evolution occurs when genes are selected randomly to change giving the organism an edge. Lastly, he talks about random genetic mutations. Some factors can play into a gene being mutated, but its not for sure.
(2) How would Darwin define progress in terms of adaptation and evolution?
In terms of adaptation and evolution, Adaptations, at the very main level, is a random process. An organism has many variations of one trait. However, in the overall scheme of things, evolution by no means is a random process. Nature decide the organisms that are better suited to survive and reproduce.
(3) Where does Darwin position human beings in his scheme of evolution? What implication does his theory hold for society?
Darwin says that humans are similar to organisms. Humans, are always changing and evolving, and have to keep evolving until it is "perfect," just like any other organisms.
(4) Does Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggest an optimistic or a pessimistic view of the world?
Darwin's theory of natural selection is more optimistic because it shows how organisms are able to be fit and reproduce, creating offspring with the same beneficial mutation the parents pass down