Background on Evolution - Essay Example

Processes of evolution Processes of evolution DSE 212 Psychology Background on Evolution Evolution can be described as the means by which organisms have progressed from their antecedents. Apart from being the method by which organisms continue to exist, it is during evolution that changes in characteristics that may vary from generation to generation take place. (The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California, 2008) Evolution is the reason why there is a great difference in the appearance and characteristics of plants, animals, human beings and other living organisms as time goes by. This is also the rationale behind the arrival of variations in the species of organisms through time. The genius of evolution lies in the fact that although organisms have obviously changed though time, a lot of their features remain strikingly comparable to something from a different age. (The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California, 2008) Simply put, evolution is one of the major factors that cause different life forms to continue to exist in the universe. Evolution is a complex process that makes use of several mechanisms or sub-processes. These evolutionary mechanisms are responsible for affecting change in population.. (The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California, 2008) Mechanisms of evolution The basic mechanisms of evolution that affect change include natural selection, genetic drift, migration or gene flow and mutation. (The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California, 2008) Natural selection is the course of action by which inherited characteristics that are pertinent to continued existence and reproduction become more prominent. In natural selection, the traits that are detrimental to one’s survival become less prominent in the next generations. (DOBZHANSKY, 1955) According to the ‘Understanding Evolution’ website, genetic drift can be simply described as an “evolutionary equivalent of a sampling error”. Another way to describe genetic drift is that the genetic material from one generation does not go on in the same proportions in the next generations for due to a lot of indiscriminate reasons. Genetic drift can be likened to a lottery where a “winner” is determined by sheer luck or in this case, chance. Genetic drift affects the process of evolution in three ways. First, genetic drift causes a reduction in variations. This causes a population to be responsive to only a certain set of forces. Next, genetic drift takes effect faster than the other mechanisms when applied to smaller populations. Third, genetic drift is one of the major the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for the creation of a new species. (The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California, 2008) Migration is described as the relocation of individuals or organisms into new locations with the intention of settling. From a socio-economic standpoint, migration has become a trend embraced by certain individuals in order to make their lives better by earning their keep in foreign soil. Genetically speaking, migration becomes an instrument of evolution when a sufficient amount of alleles from a migrant species are successfullly mixed together with that of the resident species by intermarriage in humans and mating in animals, plants and other organisms. An example of this would be an offspring of a Chinese man and an American woman who may be born with dark hair reminiscent of his Asian ancestry and wide blue eyes reminiscent of his American ancestry. (DOBZHANSKY, 1955) The “Learn Genetics” website defines mutation as a “ permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene”. Mutations bring about “major changes in the amino acid sequence of a protein” chain that is inherent in the gene. Mutations are such that the structure of a gene is either changed or damaged. (The University of Utah, Genetic Science Learning Center, 2007) Some factors that are responsible for bringing about mutations are radiation, sunlight , and other mutagenic agents. (Professor John Blamire, 2000) Natural selection leading to adaptation Every living organism is created such that it is equipped to be able to subsist in a specific environment. This functionality of the traits inherent each organism allows it to survive under certain circumstances. Specific traits allow living organisms to easily adapt to their surroundings. These traits are important in natural selection. The natural selection mechanism of evolution sets the stage for one to be able to adapt to his/its surroundings. The process of natural selection leads to adaptation. As a consequence selective forces may drive a weaker trait or traits to irrelevance. (DOBZHANSKY, 1955) Natural selection that leads to adaptation can be manifested in the virtue of altruism and in theories of mind. Altruism is behavior characterized by selflessness and a deep concern for the wellbeing of other people. It is often considered a highly desirable quality in most cultures but is also highly disapproved by some schools of philosophy such as egoism which promotes self-centeredness and contends that each person does not owe any ethical responsibility to other people. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2008) In the context of evolutionary biology, humans are not the only living beings capable of the display of altruism. Some animals like the vampire bats feed others that have not collected enough blood for themselves. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2007) Altruism is a trait that may be exhibited or projected by individuals who need adapt to a certain environment for survival. In order for a person to survive in a new environment, he needs to reach out to others and make connections. In order to make the task of survival easier, he needs friends who can give him valuable tips. For a person to come across as likeable, he has to show signs of genuine concern for other people. A common example is that of a new neighbor trying to fit into a new neighborhood. In order to win friends, it has become somewhat of a tradition for someone who is new to a neighborhood to show signs of concern for his new neighbors by offering to help with simple tasks such as bringing mail that was sent to his house by mistake, offering to help fix the neighbor’s broken car, lending a neighbor in need a cup of sugar, offering the neighbor a ride home and others. The new neighbor may also open his house and as an ultimate gesture of reaching out. At the end of the party, two scenarios are possible. The new neighbor is likely to have started a new network of friends or he may have made a bad impression. For the outcome of the gathering to be pleasant, it is essential that the newcomer in the neighborhood be on his best behavior throughout the gathering and be careful not to step on any toes, so to speak. By willingly providing help or doing some good to others, there is the hope of cooperation from other members society and a perception that one is willing to spend and be spent for the benefit of others. This of course, is ultimately geared towards one’s advantage. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2008) Reference List DOBZHANSKY, T. (1955). Evolution, Genetics, and Man . New York : John Wiley & Sons. Professor John Blamire. (2000). Mutations Definition . Retrieved January 7, 2008, from Science at a Distance: http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/ahp/BioInfo/MUT/Mut.Definition.html The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California. (2008). Mechanisms: the processes of evolution. Retrieved January 7, 2008, from Understanding Evolution: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/evo_14 The University of Utah, Genetic Science Learning Center. (2007). What is a Mutation? Retrieved January 7, 2008, from Learn Genetics: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/mutations/ Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, January 6). Altruism. Retrieved January 7, 2008, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altruism Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2007, December 26). Reciprocal altruism. Retrieved January 7, 2008, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocal_altruism Read More