The question of diversity and evolution - Essay Example

The Question of Diversity and Evolution Natural selection is the gradual change of biological traits and characteristics within a given population to the point where these traits become more or less common. This is as a result of the environment having an impact of the differential reproductive success of all the organisms that are found within the given geographic location. Natural selection is fundamentally the foundation of evolution as evolution is founded on gradual changed of biological, physical and even mental and social traits.

Therefore, one can safely hold that natural selection is the foundation of variation within a given species. Inheritance and CompetitionDuring the process of natural selection, the offspring obtain their biological traits from the parent organism. This process of inheritance is usually geared towards developing an organism that is best suited to survive in the eternal environment in which it is being born into (Söll, Nishimura and Moore). This is accomplished through inheritance. However, inheritance encourages and increases competition.

This is because the natural selection and inheritance process provides only the best genetically material for the offspring. This creates a situation where the offspring competes with the parent organism for the available resources. However, the offspring is favored to best survive in this environment owing to the fact that the new organism ideally has the best possible genetic make-up available from the parent organism to best survive in their environment. Therefore, inheritance increase and encourages competition within a given ecosystem.

This concept is generally true. This is because history has shown that the next generation is usually far much improved and more efficient in survival within their environment compared to the parent organism (Gibson). A good example is the history and evolution of man. Previous species of human beings were apes. Through the process of natural selection and inheritance, modern day Homo sapiens have the ability to best survive in the changing environment as compared to previous species from which human beings originated.

These previous species have become extinct due to their inability to adapt and survive and the competition that they received from their more advanced and evolved counterparts.This argument can however be challenged. This can be achieved by looking at the fact that there are numerous cases where natural selection does not improve the species that originates from the parent organism. Again, human provide the best example to this. While the natural selection process is supposed to avail the best genes available, there are instances when weak genes are inherited by the offspring species (Gibson).

This is the reason why certain individuals inherit deformities and lifelong genetic problems that they also pass to their offspring. This explains the reason why a given family can be found to be prone to hypertension and diabetes. As such, these offspring do not offer much competition to the parent organism.The above argument is indeed a valid argument. This is owing to the fact that natural selection does not always avail the best available genetic makeup. However, the natural selection process is supposed to select the strongest genetic material available.

Despite the fact that offspring do inherit what are generally considered deformed genes, they still do inherit the strongest gene. This is because the specific gene considered as deformed was probable dominant as opposed to the other available option. This still creates a situation where there is competition between the parent organism and the offspring.Works CitedGibson, Phil J. Natural selection. New York: Chelsea House, 2009. Print.Söll, Dieter, Susumu Nishimura and Peter Moore. RNA. Amsterdam: Pergamon, 2008. Print.