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Student Exploration: Evolution, Natural and Artificial Selection
Introduction:
Ever wondered how the incredible diversity of life on Earth came to be? From the majestic blue whale to the microscopic bacteria, the story of life is a captivating narrative of adaptation, change, and survival. This exploration delves into the fascinating world of evolution, focusing on the powerful forces of natural and artificial selection. We'll journey through the core concepts, explore compelling examples, and equip you with the tools to understand this fundamental process shaping our planet's biodiversity. This guide is designed for students, educators, and anyone curious about the driving forces behind the evolution of life. Prepare to unravel the mysteries of natural and artificial selection and witness the incredible power of adaptation firsthand.
1. Understanding Evolution: A Foundation for Natural and Artificial Selection
Evolution, at its core, is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. This change is driven by various mechanisms, with natural and artificial selection playing particularly prominent roles. It's crucial to understand that evolution isn't a linear progression towards "better" organisms; it's a dynamic process shaped by environmental pressures and chance events. Think of it as a branching tree, with each branch representing a lineage adapting to its specific niche. Key concepts like mutation (random changes in DNA), gene flow (the movement of genes between populations), genetic drift (random fluctuations in gene frequencies), and natural selection all contribute to the overall process of evolution.
2. Natural Selection: The Power of Environmental Pressure
Natural selection is the cornerstone of evolutionary theory. It's the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This "survival of the fittest" isn't about physical strength alone; it encompasses a multitude of traits that enhance an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. These advantageous traits, often encoded in genes, are then passed on to the next generation, gradually increasing their frequency within the population.
Consider the classic example of the peppered moth during the Industrial Revolution. Before industrialization, lighter-colored moths blended seamlessly with lichen-covered trees, camouflaging them from predators. However, industrial pollution darkened the trees, giving a survival advantage to darker moths. Over time, the frequency of darker moths increased dramatically, demonstrating natural selection in action. This illustrates how environmental changes can directly influence the selective pressures shaping a population's genetic makeup.
3. Artificial Selection: Human Intervention in Evolution
Unlike natural selection, which is driven by environmental pressures, artificial selection is directed by humans. We selectively breed organisms with desirable traits, accelerating evolutionary change in a targeted manner. This process has been instrumental in shaping the crops we eat, the animals we domesticate, and even the flowers that grace our gardens.
Consider the diversity of dog breeds. From the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane, the remarkable variation within the Canis familiaris species is a testament to the power of artificial selection. Humans have selectively bred dogs for centuries, choosing individuals with specific traits – size, temperament, coat color – to create the vast array of breeds we see today. Similarly, the development of high-yield crop varieties through selective breeding has revolutionized agriculture, enabling us to feed a growing global population.
4. Comparing and Contrasting Natural and Artificial Selection
While both natural and artificial selection drive evolutionary change, their driving forces differ significantly. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment. Artificial selection, on the other hand, is driven by human intervention, prioritizing traits deemed desirable by humans, regardless of their impact on the organism's survival in the wild. Both processes, however, operate on the same fundamental principles of variation, inheritance, and differential reproductive success.
5. Examples of Natural and Artificial Selection in Action
Numerous examples vividly illustrate the principles of natural and artificial selection. In the case of natural selection, consider the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics has created strong selective pressure, favoring bacteria with genes conferring resistance. Similarly, the evolution of pesticide resistance in insects highlights the rapid adaptability of organisms under selective pressure.
For artificial selection, consider the breeding of livestock for increased meat production or milk yield. Farmers select animals with desirable traits, ensuring that these traits become more prevalent in subsequent generations. The same principle applies to the development of disease-resistant crop varieties, a crucial aspect of modern agriculture. These examples underscore the profound impact of both natural and artificial selection on the living world.
6. The Ethical Considerations of Artificial Selection
While artificial selection has yielded significant benefits, it also raises ethical considerations. The focus on specific traits may inadvertently lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced genetic diversity or increased susceptibility to diseases. The welfare of organisms undergoing artificial selection must be carefully considered, ensuring humane treatment and avoiding practices that compromise their health and well-being. Ethical debates surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and animal breeding practices highlight the complexities inherent in manipulating evolutionary processes.
7. Student Activities and Further Exploration
To enhance understanding, engage in hands-on activities. Simulations of natural selection, using colored beads or virtual environments, can effectively demonstrate the core principles. Research projects focusing on specific case studies of natural and artificial selection can further deepen understanding. Explore documentaries and online resources to visualize the concepts and appreciate the broader implications of these powerful evolutionary forces.
Ebook Outline: Student Exploration: Evolution, Natural and Artificial Selection
Name: Understanding Evolution: A Student's Guide to Natural and Artificial Selection
Contents:
Introduction: Defining evolution, natural selection, and artificial selection.
Chapter 1: The Mechanisms of Evolution (mutation, gene flow, genetic drift).
Chapter 2: Natural Selection: Examples and Case Studies (peppered moths, antibiotic resistance).
Chapter 3: Artificial Selection: Human Intervention in Evolution (dog breeds, crop domestication).
Chapter 4: Comparing and Contrasting Natural and Artificial Selection.
Chapter 5: Ethical Considerations of Artificial Selection.
Chapter 6: Activities and Further Exploration.
Conclusion: Synthesizing the key concepts and implications.
(Detailed explanation of each chapter would follow here, expanding on the points already mentioned above. This would involve approximately another 500-700 words, adding more specific examples, detailed explanations of scientific concepts, and visual aids where appropriate.)
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution? Microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a population, while macroevolution encompasses larger-scale changes leading to the formation of new species.
2. Is evolution a random process? Evolution incorporates both random and non-random elements. Mutation is random, but natural and artificial selection are non-random processes that act upon existing variation.
3. How does genetic drift affect evolution? Genetic drift is the random fluctuation of gene frequencies, particularly pronounced in small populations. It can lead to the loss of beneficial alleles or the fixation of harmful ones.
4. What is the role of adaptation in natural selection? Adaptation refers to the heritable traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment. Natural selection favors organisms with advantageous adaptations.
5. Can natural selection create perfect organisms? No, natural selection is not about creating perfect organisms. It's about increasing the frequency of advantageous traits in a given environment. Perfection is relative and depends on the specific environmental pressures.
6. What are the potential downsides of artificial selection? Reduced genetic diversity, increased susceptibility to diseases, and ethical concerns regarding animal welfare are some potential downsides.
7. How can I learn more about evolutionary biology? Explore university courses, online resources, scientific journals, and documentaries.
8. What are some real-world applications of understanding evolution? Medicine (antibiotic resistance), agriculture (crop improvement), conservation biology (species preservation).
9. Is evolution still occurring today? Yes, evolution is an ongoing process. We can observe it in real-time, such as with the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pesticide-resistant insects.
Related Articles:
1. The Peppered Moth: A Classic Example of Natural Selection: Details the famous case study illustrating natural selection's impact on moth populations during the Industrial Revolution.
2. Antibiotic Resistance: The Evolutionary Arms Race: Explores the escalating battle between antibiotics and resistant bacteria, highlighting the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
3. The Evolution of Domestic Dogs: A Story of Artificial Selection: Examines the diverse array of dog breeds and the human intervention that shaped their evolution.
4. Genetic Drift and the Founder Effect: Explores the role of chance in shaping genetic variation, especially in small, isolated populations.
5. The Modern Synthesis of Evolutionary Theory: Discusses the integration of Mendelian genetics and Darwinian evolution, forming a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes.
6. Evolutionary Biology and Conservation Efforts: Examines how evolutionary principles are used to inform and guide conservation strategies.
7. Gene Flow and its Impact on Population Diversity: Explains the role of gene movement between populations in shaping genetic variation and adaptation.
8. Understanding Mutation and its Role in Evolution: Details the different types of mutations and their impact on genetic variation.
9. The Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering: Discusses the complex ethical considerations related to manipulating the genetic makeup of organisms.
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Adaptation and Natural Selection George Christopher Williams, 2018-10-30 Biological evolution is a fact—but the many conflicting theories of evolution remain controversial even today. When Adaptation and Natural Selection was first published in 1966, it struck a powerful blow against those who argued for the concept of group selection—the idea that evolution acts to select entire species rather than individuals. Williams’s famous work in favor of simple Darwinism over group selection has become a classic of science literature, valued for its thorough and convincing argument and its relevance to many fields outside of biology. Now with a new foreword by Richard Dawkins, Adaptation and Natural Selection is an essential text for understanding the nature of scientific debate. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Magic School Bus Explores Human Evolution Joanna Cole, 2021-06-01 When Arnold wishes he had more information for his family tree, Ms. Frizzle revs up the Magic School Bus and the class zooms back to prehistoric times. First stop: 3.5 billion years ago!There aren't any people around to ask for directions. Luckily Ms. Frizzle has a plan, and the class is right there to watch simple cells become sponges and then fish and dinosaurs, then mammals and early primates and, eventually, modern humans. It's the longest class trip ever!This is the story of a species, of our species, as only Ms. Frizzle can tell it. Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen tackle this essential topic with the insight and humor that have made the Magic School Bus the bestselling science series of all time.Hop on board for a class trip that spans billions of lifetimes! |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Evolution Challenges Karl S. Rosengren, Sarah K. Brem, E. Margaret Evans, Gale M. Sinatra, 2012-04-23 A recent poll revealed that one in four Americans believe in both creationism and evolution, while another 41% believe that creationism is true and evolution is false. A minority (only 13%) believe only in evolution. Given the widespread resistance to the idea that humans and other animals have evolved and given the attention to the ongoing debate of what should be taught in public schools, issues related to the teaching and learning of evolution are quite timely. Evolution Challenges: Integrating Research and Practice in Teaching and Learning about Evolution goes beyond the science versus religion dispute to ask why evolution is so often rejected as a legitimate scientific fact, focusing on a wide range of cognitive, socio-cultural, and motivational factors that make concepts such as evolution difficult to grasp. The volume brings together researchers with diverse backgrounds in cognitive development and education to examine children's and adults' thinking, learning, and motivation, and how aspects of representational and symbolic knowledge influence learning about evolution. The book is organized around three main challenges inherent in teaching and learning evolutionary concepts: folk theories and conceptual biases, motivational and epistemological biases, and educational aspects in both formal and informal settings. Commentaries across the three main themes tie the book together thematically, and contributors provide ideas for future research and methods for improving the manner in which evolutionary concepts are conveyed in the classroom and in informal learning experiences. Evolution Challenges is a unique text that extends far beyond the traditional evolution debate and is an invaluable resource to researchers in cognitive development, science education and the philosophy of science, science teachers, and exhibit and curriculum developers. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Biological Evolution , |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution Sean B. Carroll, 2007-08-28 A geneticist discusses the role of DNA in the evolution of life on Earth, explaining how an analysis of DNA reveals a complete record of the events that have shaped each species and how it provides evidence of the validity of the theory of evolution. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Evolution Education Re-considered Ute Harms, Michael J. Reiss, 2019-07-16 This collection presents research-based interventions using existing knowledge to produce new pedagogies to teach evolution to learners more successfully, whether in schools or elsewhere. ‘Success’ here is measured as cognitive gains, as acceptance of evolution or an increased desire to continue to learn about it. Aside from introductory and concluding chapters by the editors, each chapter consists of a research-based intervention intended to enable evolution to be taught successfully; all these interventions have been researched and evaluated by the chapters’ authors and the findings are presented along with discussions of the implications. The result is an important compendium of studies from around the word conducted both inside and outside of school. The volume is unique and provides an essential reference point and platform for future work for the foreseeable future. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Voyage of the Beagle Charles Darwin, 2020-05-01 First published in 1839, “The Voyage of the Beagle” is the book written by Charles Darwin that chronicles his experience of the famous survey expedition of the ship HMS Beagle. Part travel memoir, part scientific field journal, it covers such topics as biology, anthropology, and geology, demonstrating Darwin's changing views and ideas while he was developing his theory of evolution. A book highly recommended for those with an interest in evolution and is not to be missed by collectors of important historical literature. Contents include: “St. Jago—Cape De Verd Islands”, “Rio De Janeiro”, “Maldonado”, “Rio Negro To Bahia Blanca”, “Bahia Blanca”, “Bahia Blanca To Buenos Ayres”, “Banda Oriental And Patagonia”, etc. Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882) was an English geologist, naturalist, and biologist most famous for his contributions to the science of evolution and his book “On the Origin of Species” (1859). This classic work is being republished now in a new edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Biology for AP ® Courses Julianne Zedalis, John Eggebrecht, 2017-10-16 Biology for AP® courses covers the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester Advanced Placement® biology course. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology for AP® Courses was designed to meet and exceed the requirements of the College Board’s AP® Biology framework while allowing significant flexibility for instructors. Each section of the book includes an introduction based on the AP® curriculum and includes rich features that engage students in scientific practice and AP® test preparation; it also highlights careers and research opportunities in biological sciences. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Introduction to Evolutionary Computing A.E. Eiben, J.E. Smith, 2007-08-06 The first complete overview of evolutionary computing, the collective name for a range of problem-solving techniques based on principles of biological evolution, such as natural selection and genetic inheritance. The text is aimed directly at lecturers and graduate and undergraduate students. It is also meant for those who wish to apply evolutionary computing to a particular problem or within a given application area. The book contains quick-reference information on the current state-of-the-art in a wide range of related topics, so it is of interest not just to evolutionary computing specialists but to researchers working in other fields. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Evolution of Beauty Richard O. Prum, 2017-05-09 A FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER PRIZE NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, SMITHSONIAN, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL A major reimagining of how evolutionary forces work, revealing how mating preferences—what Darwin termed the taste for the beautiful—create the extraordinary range of ornament in the animal world. In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin's theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature? Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum—reviving Darwin's own views—thinks not. Deep in tropical jungles around the world are birds with a dizzying array of appearances and mating displays: Club-winged Manakins who sing with their wings, Great Argus Pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres, Red-capped Manakins who moonwalk. In thirty years of fieldwork, Prum has seen numerous display traits that seem disconnected from, if not outright contrary to, selection for individual survival. To explain this, he dusts off Darwin's long-neglected theory of sexual selection in which the act of choosing a mate for purely aesthetic reasons—for the mere pleasure of it—is an independent engine of evolutionary change. Mate choice can drive ornamental traits from the constraints of adaptive evolution, allowing them to grow ever more elaborate. It also sets the stakes for sexual conflict, in which the sexual autonomy of the female evolves in response to male sexual control. Most crucially, this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality, particularly the ways in which female preferences have changed male bodies, and even maleness itself, through evolutionary time. The Evolution of Beauty presents a unique scientific vision for how nature's splendor contributes to a more complete understanding of evolution and of ourselves. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Darwin's Conjecture Geoffrey M. Hodgson, Thorbjørn Knudsen, 2010-12 A theoretical study dealing chiefly with matters of definition and clarification of terms and concepts involved in using Darwinian notions to model social phenomena. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Intelligence Emerging Keith L. Downing, 2015-05-29 An investigation of intelligence as an emergent phenomenon, integrating the perspectives of evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Emergence—the formation of global patterns from solely local interactions—is a frequent and fascinating theme in the scientific literature both popular and academic. In this book, Keith Downing undertakes a systematic investigation of the widespread (if often vague) claim that intelligence is an emergent phenomenon. Downing focuses on neural networks, both natural and artificial, and how their adaptability in three time frames—phylogenetic (evolutionary), ontogenetic (developmental), and epigenetic (lifetime learning)—underlie the emergence of cognition. Integrating the perspectives of evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, Downing provides a series of concrete examples of neurocognitive emergence. Doing so, he offers a new motivation for the expanded use of bio-inspired concepts in artificial intelligence (AI), in the subfield known as Bio-AI. One of Downing's central claims is that two key concepts from traditional AI, search and representation, are key to understanding emergent intelligence as well. He first offers introductory chapters on five core concepts: emergent phenomena, formal search processes, representational issues in Bio-AI, artificial neural networks (ANNs), and evolutionary algorithms (EAs). Intermediate chapters delve deeper into search, representation, and emergence in ANNs, EAs, and evolving brains. Finally, advanced chapters on evolving artificial neural networks and information-theoretic approaches to assessing emergence in neural systems synthesize earlier topics to provide some perspective, predictions, and pointers for the future of Bio-AI. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science National Academy of Sciences, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Board on Science Education, Working Group on Teaching Evolution, 1998-05-06 Today many school students are shielded from one of the most important concepts in modern science: evolution. In engaging and conversational style, Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science provides a well-structured framework for understanding and teaching evolution. Written for teachers, parents, and community officials as well as scientists and educators, this book describes how evolution reveals both the great diversity and similarity among the Earth's organisms; it explores how scientists approach the question of evolution; and it illustrates the nature of science as a way of knowing about the natural world. In addition, the book provides answers to frequently asked questions to help readers understand many of the issues and misconceptions about evolution. The book includes sample activities for teaching about evolution and the nature of science. For example, the book includes activities that investigate fossil footprints and population growth that teachers of science can use to introduce principles of evolution. Background information, materials, and step-by-step presentations are provided for each activity. In addition, this volume: Presents the evidence for evolution, including how evolution can be observed today. Explains the nature of science through a variety of examples. Describes how science differs from other human endeavors and why evolution is one of the best avenues for helping students understand this distinction. Answers frequently asked questions about evolution. Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science builds on the 1996 National Science Education Standards released by the National Research Councilâ€and offers detailed guidance on how to evaluate and choose instructional materials that support the standards. Comprehensive and practical, this book brings one of today's educational challenges into focus in a balanced and reasoned discussion. It will be of special interest to teachers of science, school administrators, and interested members of the community. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: A Series of Fortunate Events Sean B. Carroll, 2020-10-06 Fascinating and exhilarating—Sean B. Carroll at his very best.—Bill Bryson, author of The Body: A Guide for Occupants From acclaimed writer and biologist Sean B. Carroll, a rollicking, awe-inspiring story of the surprising power of chance in our lives and the world Why is the world the way it is? How did we get here? Does everything happen for a reason or are some things left to chance? Philosophers and theologians have pondered these questions for millennia, but startling scientific discoveries over the past half century are revealing that we live in a world driven by chance. A Series of Fortunate Events tells the story of the awesome power of chance and how it is the surprising source of all the beauty and diversity in the living world. Like every other species, we humans are here by accident. But it is shocking just how many things—any of which might never have occurred—had to happen in certain ways for any of us to exist. From an extremely improbable asteroid impact, to the wild gyrations of the Ice Age, to invisible accidents in our parents' gonads, we are all here through an astonishing series of fortunate events. And chance continues to reign every day over the razor-thin line between our life and death. This is a relatively small book about a really big idea. It is also a spirited tale. Drawing inspiration from Monty Python, Kurt Vonnegut, and other great thinkers, and crafted by one of today's most accomplished science storytellers, A Series of Fortunate Events is an irresistibly entertaining and thought-provoking account of one of the most important but least appreciated facts of life. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Dissertation Abstracts International , 1992-12 Abstracts of dissertations available on microfilm or as xerographic reproductions. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Artificial Life IV Rodney Allen Brooks, Pattie Maes, 1994 This book brings together contributions to the Fourth Artificial Life Workshop, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the summer of 1994. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Microbial genomics challenge Darwin Didier Raoult, Eugene V. Koonin, The 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birthday was celebrated in 2009, making the concept of Darwinism even more popular than at the time it was originally proposed, to the extent that it has acquired quasi-religious status. His theory revolves around a Tree of Life in which all living organisms are considered to have descended from a single ancestor, and each node represents a common ancestor. It comprises hierarchy and dichotomy, which are typical characteristics of the post-biblical 19th century vision. Indeed, according to post-modern philosophy (also called the French theory) the majority of theories, including scientific ones, are based only on meta-narratives expressing the influence of a culture at a given time. Buddhism or Hinduism may have generated a very different story of evolution. Our way of thinking about life, and the way we describe evolution, have changed radically in the 21st century due to the genomic revolution. Comparative genome analyses have demonstrated that gene repertoires are characterized by plasticity, and there is strong evidence that nearly all genes have been exchanged at some point. Genomic data show that the genetic information of living organisms is inherited not only vertically but also laterally. Lateral gene transfers were at first observed only in bacteria, which contain genes originating from eukaryotes, Archaea and viruses. Such transfers were subsequently identified in all living organisms; giant viruses have chimeric genomes and the human genome is a mosaic of genes with eukaryotic, bacterial, and viral origins. We cannot identify a single common ancestor for the gene repertoire of any organism. Furthermore, a very high proportion of genes have been newly created through gene fusion or degradation, and others show no homology to sequences found in other species. It is now clear that every living organism has a variety of ancestors, while exchanges between species are intense, and the creation of new genes is frequent and permanent in all living organisms. Our current genomic knowledge contradicts the tree of life theory, as established by Darwin. Recent analyses have produced bushes rather than resolved trees, with the structure of some parts remaining elusive. It becomes more and more obvious that phylogenetic relationships are better described by forests and networks and that species evolution looks more like a rhizome. The chimerism and mosaic structure of all living organisms through both non-vertical inheritance and de novo creation can only be assimilated and described by a post-Darwinist concept. In this Research Topic we wish to highlight the influence of microbiology and genomics on our understanding of the complexity of gene repertoires, and also demonstrate how current knowledge does not support Darwin’s theory. Microbiology has offered a great advance in the way we perceive life. Evidence obtained from studies on bacterial and viral evolution, lateral inheritance, phylogenetic trees and biodiversity continues to challenge what constituted, until recently, an unimpeded dogma in biology. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Malay Archipelago Alfred Russel Wallace, 1898 |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Artificial Ape Timothy Taylor, 2010-07-20 A breakthrough theory that tools and technology are the real drivers of human evolution Although humans are one of the great apes, along with chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, we are remarkably different from them. Unlike our cousins who subsist on raw food, spend their days and nights outdoors, and wear a thick coat of hair, humans are entirely dependent on artificial things, such as clothing, shelter, and the use of tools, and would die in nature without them. Yet, despite our status as the weakest ape, we are the masters of this planet. Given these inherent deficits, how did humans come out on top? In this fascinating new account of our origins, leading archaeologist Timothy Taylor proposes a new way of thinking about human evolution through our relationship with objects. Drawing on the latest fossil evidence, Taylor argues that at each step of our species' development, humans made choices that caused us to assume greater control of our evolution. Our appropriation of objects allowed us to walk upright, lose our body hair, and grow significantly larger brains. As we push the frontiers of scientific technology, creating prosthetics, intelligent implants, and artificially modified genes, we continue a process that started in the prehistoric past, when we first began to extend our powers through objects. Weaving together lively discussions of major discoveries of human skeletons and artifacts with a reexamination of Darwin's theory of evolution, Taylor takes us on an exciting and challenging journey that begins to answer the fundamental question about our existence: what makes humans unique, and what does that mean for our future? |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Unnatural Selection Katrina van Grouw, 2018-07-31 A lavishly illustrated look at how evolution plays out in selective breeding Unnatural Selection is a stunningly illustrated book about selective breeding--the ongoing transformation of animals at the hand of man. More important, it's a book about selective breeding on a far, far grander scale—a scale that encompasses all life on Earth. We'd call it evolution. A unique fusion of art, science, and history, this book celebrates the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's monumental work The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication, and is intended as a tribute to what Darwin might have achieved had he possessed that elusive missing piece to the evolutionary puzzle—the knowledge of how individual traits are passed from one generation to the next. With the benefit of a century and a half of hindsight, Katrina van Grouw explains evolution by building on the analogy that Darwin himself used—comparing the selective breeding process with natural selection in the wild, and, like Darwin, featuring a multitude of fascinating examples. This is more than just a book about pets and livestock, however. The revelation of Unnatural Selection is that identical traits can occur in all animals, wild and domesticated, and both are governed by the same evolutionary principles. As van Grouw shows, animals are plastic things, constantly changing. In wild animals the changes are usually too slow to see—species appear to stay the same. When it comes to domesticated animals, however, change happens fast, making them the perfect model of evolution in action. Suitable for the lay reader and student, as well as the more seasoned biologist, and featuring more than four hundred breathtaking illustrations of living animals, skeletons, and historical specimens, Unnatural Selection will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in natural history and the history of evolutionary thinking. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Galapagos Islands Charles Darwin, 1996 |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Concepts of Biology Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise, 2023-05-12 Black & white print. Concepts of Biology is designed for the typical introductory biology course for nonmajors, covering standard scope and sequence requirements. The text includes interesting applications and conveys the major themes of biology, with content that is meaningful and easy to understand. The book is designed to demonstrate biology concepts and to promote scientific literacy. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: A Framework for K-12 Science Education National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Board on Science Education, Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards, 2012-02-28 Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Charles Darwin Gavin de Beer, 2017-05-30 Excerpt from Charles Darwin: Evolution by Natural Selection My introduction to the name of Darwin took place nearly sixty years ago in Paris, where I used to be taken from i'ny home in the Rue de la Paix to play in the Gardens of the Tuileries. On the way, in the Rue saint-honore near the corner of the Rue de Castiglione, was a Shop that called itself Articles pour chz'ens and sold dog collars, harness, leads, raincoats, greatcoats With little pockets for handker chiefs, and buttoned boots made of india - rubber, the pair for fore - paws larger than the pair for hind-paws. One day this heavenly shop produced a catalogue, and although I have long since lost it, I remember its introduction as vividly as if I had it before me. It began, 'on sait depuis Darwin que nous descendons des singes, ce qui nous'fait encore plus aimer nos chiens.' I asked, 'qu'est ce que ca veut dire, Darre-vingt?' My father came to the rescue and told me that Darwin was a famous Englishman who had done something or other that meant nothing to me at all; but I recollect that because Darwin was English and a great man, it all fitted perfectly into my pattern of life, which was built on the principle that if anything was English it must be good. I have learnt better since then, but Darwin, at any rate, has never let me down. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Social Science Research Anol Bhattacherjee, 2012-04-01 This book is designed to introduce doctoral and graduate students to the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences, business, education, public health, and related disciplines. It is a one-stop, comprehensive, and compact source for foundational concepts in behavioral research, and can serve as a stand-alone text or as a supplement to research readings in any doctoral seminar or research methods class. This book is currently used as a research text at universities on six continents and will shortly be available in nine different languages. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Endless Forms Most Beautiful Sean B. Carroll, 2005 An introduction to evolutionary developmental biology demonstrates how the many forms of animals evolved and came into being, documenting how the Evo Devo branch of science proved that all animal organs and appendages, from arms and legs to wings and fins, were created from a small number of primitive genes. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Nature Sir Norman Lockyer, 1873 |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Cultural Connections Morris J. Vogel, 1991 Illustrates the history, civilization, and social conditions of the United States via artifacts, paintings, and other objects from the collections of cultural institutions in Philadelphia and environs. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Nature London , 1873 |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Sciences of the Artificial, reissue of the third edition with a new introduction by John Laird Herbert A. Simon, 2019-08-13 Herbert Simon's classic work on artificial intelligence in the expanded and updated third edition from 1996, with a new introduction by John E. Laird. Herbert Simon's classic and influential The Sciences of the Artificial declares definitively that there can be a science not only of natural phenomena but also of what is artificial. Exploring the commonalities of artificial systems, including economic systems, the business firm, artificial intelligence, complex engineering projects, and social plans, Simon argues that designed systems are a valid field of study, and he proposes a science of design. For this third edition, originally published in 1996, Simon added new material that takes into account advances in cognitive psychology and the science of design while confirming and extending the book's basic thesis: that a physical symbol system has the necessary and sufficient means for intelligent action. Simon won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1978 for his research into the decision-making process within economic organizations and the Turing Award (considered by some the computer science equivalent to the Nobel) with Allen Newell in 1975 for contributions to artificial intelligence, the psychology of human cognition, and list processing. The Sciences of the Artificial distills the essence of Simon's thought accessibly and coherently. This reissue of the third edition makes a pioneering work available to a new audience. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Design of Future Educational Interfaces Sharon Oviatt, 2013-08-21 The Design of Future Educational Interfaces provides a new multidisciplinary synthesis of educational interface research. It explains how computer interfaces can be redesigned to better support our ability to produce ideas, think, and solve problems successfully in national priority areas such as science and mathematics. Based on first-hand research experience, the author offers a candid analysis of emerging technologies and their impact, highlighting communication interfaces that stimulate thought. The research results will surprise readers and challenge their assumptions about existing technology and its ability to support our performance. In spite of a rapid explosion of interest in educational technologies, there remains a poor understanding of what constitutes an effective educational interface for student cognition and learning. This book provides valuable insights into why recent large-scale evaluations of existing educational technologies have frequently not shown demonstrable improvements in student performance. The research presented here is grounded in cognitive science and experimental psychology, linguistic science and communications, cross-cultural cognition and language, computer science and human interface design, and the learning sciences and educational technology. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Human Heredity: Principles and Issues Michael Cummings, 2015-01-01 HUMAN HEREDITY presents the concepts of human genetics in clear, concise language and provides relevant examples that you can apply to yourself, your family, and your work environment. Author Michael Cummings explains the origin, nature, and amount of genetic diversity present in the human population and how that diversity has been shaped by natural selection. The artwork and accompanying media visually support the material by teaching rather than merely illustrating the ideas under discussion. Examining the social, cultural, and ethical implications associated with the use of genetic technology, Cummings prepares you to become a well-informed consumer of genetic-based health care services or provider of health care services. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Artificial Intelligence in Education Maria Mercedes Rodrigo, Noburu Matsuda, Alexandra I. Cristea, Vania Dimitrova, 2022-07-26 This two-volume set LNAI 13355 and 13356 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, AIED 2022, held in Durham, UK, in July 2022. The 40 full papers and 40 short papers presented together with 2 keynotes, 6 industry papers, 12 DC papers, 6 Workshop papers, 10 Practitioner papers, 97 Posters and Late-Breaking Results were carefully reviewed and selected from 243 submissions. The conference presents topics such as intelligent systems and the cognitive sciences for the improvement and advancement of education, the science and engineering of intelligent interactive learning systems. The theme for the AIED 2022 conference was „AI in Education: Bridging the gap between academia, business, and non-pro t in preparing future-proof generations towards ubiquitous AI. |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Princeton Guide to Evolution David A. Baum, Douglas J. Futuyma, Hopi E. Hoekstra, Richard E. Lenski, Allen J. Moore, Catherine L. Peichel, Dolph Schluter, Michael C. Whitlock, 2017-03-21 The essential one-volume reference to evolution The Princeton Guide to Evolution is a comprehensive, concise, and authoritative reference to the major subjects and key concepts in evolutionary biology, from genes to mass extinctions. Edited by a distinguished team of evolutionary biologists, with contributions from leading researchers, the guide contains some 100 clear, accurate, and up-to-date articles on the most important topics in seven major areas: phylogenetics and the history of life; selection and adaptation; evolutionary processes; genes, genomes, and phenotypes; speciation and macroevolution; evolution of behavior, society, and humans; and evolution and modern society. Complete with more than 100 illustrations (including eight pages in color), glossaries of key terms, suggestions for further reading on each topic, and an index, this is an essential volume for undergraduate and graduate students, scientists in related fields, and anyone else with a serious interest in evolution. Explains key topics in some 100 concise and authoritative articles written by a team of leading evolutionary biologists Contains more than 100 illustrations, including eight pages in color Each article includes an outline, glossary, bibliography, and cross-references Covers phylogenetics and the history of life; selection and adaptation; evolutionary processes; genes, genomes, and phenotypes; speciation and macroevolution; evolution of behavior, society, and humans; and evolution and modern society |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Adam Bohr, Kaveh Memarzadeh, 2020-06-21 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare is more than a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence as a tool in the generation and analysis of healthcare data. The book is split into two sections where the first section describes the current healthcare challenges and the rise of AI in this arena. The ten following chapters are written by specialists in each area, covering the whole healthcare ecosystem. First, the AI applications in drug design and drug development are presented followed by its applications in the field of cancer diagnostics, treatment and medical imaging. Subsequently, the application of AI in medical devices and surgery are covered as well as remote patient monitoring. Finally, the book dives into the topics of security, privacy, information sharing, health insurances and legal aspects of AI in healthcare. - Highlights different data techniques in healthcare data analysis, including machine learning and data mining - Illustrates different applications and challenges across the design, implementation and management of intelligent systems and healthcare data networks - Includes applications and case studies across all areas of AI in healthcare data |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: American Paleontologist , 1996 |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: How Learning Works Susan A. Ambrose, Michael W. Bridges, Michele DiPietro, Marsha C. Lovett, Marie K. Norman, 2010-04-16 Praise for How Learning Works How Learning Works is the perfect title for this excellent book. Drawing upon new research in psychology, education, and cognitive science, the authors have demystified a complex topic into clear explanations of seven powerful learning principles. Full of great ideas and practical suggestions, all based on solid research evidence, this book is essential reading for instructors at all levels who wish to improve their students' learning. —Barbara Gross Davis, assistant vice chancellor for educational development, University of California, Berkeley, and author, Tools for Teaching This book is a must-read for every instructor, new or experienced. Although I have been teaching for almost thirty years, as I read this book I found myself resonating with many of its ideas, and I discovered new ways of thinking about teaching. —Eugenia T. Paulus, professor of chemistry, North Hennepin Community College, and 2008 U.S. Community Colleges Professor of the Year from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Thank you Carnegie Mellon for making accessible what has previously been inaccessible to those of us who are not learning scientists. Your focus on the essence of learning combined with concrete examples of the daily challenges of teaching and clear tactical strategies for faculty to consider is a welcome work. I will recommend this book to all my colleagues. —Catherine M. Casserly, senior partner, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching As you read about each of the seven basic learning principles in this book, you will find advice that is grounded in learning theory, based on research evidence, relevant to college teaching, and easy to understand. The authors have extensive knowledge and experience in applying the science of learning to college teaching, and they graciously share it with you in this organized and readable book. —From the Foreword by Richard E. Mayer, professor of psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; coauthor, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction; and author, Multimedia Learning |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Holism and evolution J.C. Smuts, 1926 |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: The Missing Keys Antonio Gino, Ph.D, 2017-04-26 Recent statistics indicate up to 70 percent of Americans are exposed to some form of trauma during their life time. Most victims of trauma experience at least some symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS): intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, anxiety, vigilance, disturbing dreams, avoidance of reminders, survival guilt, anger issues, self-medication (usually with alcohol or other substances), sexual issues, etc. About 20 percent of trauma victims develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), i.e., e |
| student exploration evolution natural and artificial selection: Understanding Evolution Kostas Kampourakis, 2014-04-03 Bringing together conceptual obstacles and core concepts of evolutionary theory, this book presents evolution as straightforward and intuitive. |
