Physical Science

Evolution

Introduction

Evolution is the transformation of organism since creation. Throughout the different generations, organisms have changed their hereditary characteristics. These changes in characteristics are passed from one generation to another through reproduction. The change in qualities is due to various interactions and processes that bring about distinction. Examples of these interactions include mutation and genetic recombination. These interactions either increase or decrease a given trait. Other processes also bring about gene alteration (Barton, 2007). Different theories have tried to explain the concepts of evolution. This is because the study of evolution is significant. Evolution presents a structure to support studies in science. It provides a foundation for major studies as they help scientist to understand how different organisms came in to being. Evolution directs research in to different areas and brings out the connection that helps to facilitate a deeper understanding. Evolution does not describe things that took place in the past. It talks about the present. Understanding evolution is vital for the human race.

Discussion

Evolution indicates that the life of organisms on earth goes through changes. The same species of a mango tree that existed two centuries ago no longer exist. It has transformed to enable it to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Human beings had to transform in order to achieve the intelligence level that allows them to exist and survive in the present climatic conditions. Evolution of organisms has no definite target. There is no standard that species will have to attain to stop transforming. Environmental factors are the most important determining factors that influence evolution. Additionally, these factors also relate to the concept of natural selection. In natural selection, endurance depends on the fittest organism. Organisms that have an upper hand in evolving and acclimatizing will have more advantages in life. In human beings, the level of intelligence affects survival. For animals, it is the ability to defend in case of attack, ability to have more momentum and improved agility.

             Evolution further indicates that life on earth involves reproduction and development. The genes and traits that exist in one generation are passed through the next generation through reproduction. Without reproduction, there would be no evolution since all the living things would cease to exist. Moreover, in the process of reproduction the characteristics begin to vary (Barton, 2007). This is because some of the genes are not copied perfectly during replication. This process is known as variation (Barton, 2007). In life, there is bound to be variation. Variation facilitates co-existence or co-operation. Evolution shows that life on earth moves from stage to stage. However, these stages do not occur simultaneously. At some stage, organisms have to die to provide opportunities for other organisms to grow and cooperate given that reserves are limited. Evolution reveals that living organisms had a common antecedent where most species originated.

Conclusion

Evolution is a continuous process; many scientists get a deeper meaning of evolution as they gather more evidence. In our daily lives, we continue to change and transform to adapt to the change in environment. Not all changes are necessarily for survival, evolution also occurs because of genetic drift. Evolution is about survival, the fittest organism survive. It plays an important role in research studies. It provides an essential guideline in trying to comprehend how microorganism protects itself and how the antibiotics they produce can be applied in modern medicine. These variations are caused by mutation and genetic recombination (Barton, 2007). Evolution is important in order to understand life on earth.

References

Barton, N. H. (2007). Evolution. Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.