The Process of Evolution (Part 2)

From: http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00018e

The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. To me, this means evolution is the main force driving this planet's wide diversity of life as well as accounting for the similarities we see in all living organisms on this planet. Evolution brings me back to the metaphor of the tree of life as the process of evolution has enabled the specialization of organisms to thrive and differentiate themselves into distinctly different organisms. Evolution is the process that different organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms of life. This process is thought to have started with single celled organisms which then became colonial organisms. This furthered to create organisms with specialized cells, this diversification continued producing more and more complex life forms. Until today, where the number of different species has been estimated between 5 and 45 million. This common ancestor has been thought to be the cause in the likeness of our DNA to apes and even a resemblance of 91% with in our DNA with cats. This makes the process of evolution even more interesting; considering a 9% difference in the genetic code can turn a cat into a human.

Although the theory of evolution is accepted as being the truth for the majority of the scientific community, there are still some questions that this theory poses. For example, where did it all start and is this the only way life could have developed? I find the thought of different forms of life very interesting. Not limited to alien species that look different but complete biological systems that rely on completely different compounds to function. If we did find examples of this life would we even be able to tell it was a biological system as it does not parallel the one we know in any way. These are the types of questions that come to mind when thinking about the origin, and unity of life on our planet.

The process of evolution has allowed a single cell to multiply and create an environment rich in diverse life. This process has allowed organisms to specialize and dominate their respective ecosystems. The examination of evolution allows us to look back and at our ancestors and better understand the history of humanity and life as a whole. A more direct benefit of studying and understanding evolution is the medical application. Knowing how evolution works in certain organisms allows us to keep fighting viruses and pathogens which are able to evolve very quickly. Evolution helps life as a whole survive and thrive in many different situations.

Interesting facts about evolution

A pair of parents would have to have a quadrillion kids for two of them to share the exact DNA sequence. This genetic variation is a key factor in the process of evolution.

Some whales and dolphins still have small bones that suggest the species having legs at some point in the past.

It is still a mystery why homo sapiens became bipedal although the change had made childbirth more difficult.

#evolution #biology