Evidence Supporting the Theory of Evolution and Mechanisms of Evolution

by | Feb 6, 2024 | biology

Biological evolution refers to the cumulative changes that occur in populations over time, it is concerned with both the mechanism by which changes are produced and also with the changes themselves i.e. the adaptations that have resulted in the vast diversity of organisms that previously and currently exist.
For the purpose of this assignment, you will summarize the various kinds of evidence that are used to support the theory of evolution and discuss the mechanism by which it is thought to occur. Write a 2-3 page (500 – 750 words, 12 point font) paper including the following elements. Be sure to compose your work with your own words. Do not copy and paste from any source.
Outline at least three types of evidence which support the theory of evolution, providing specific examples for each. Ensure you include at least one modern example of observed natural selection and indicate the selective pressure that may have lead to it.
Briefly, describe some of the proposed mechanisms for evolution, include in your answer any factors that may have an impact on the process and comment on whether you believe that humans can influence this and why.

 

Sample solution

Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell. 

In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.


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God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.

Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.

To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.

 

References

Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.

Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

Evidence Supporting the Theory of Evolution and Mechanisms of Evolution
Biological evolution, as defined, encompasses the cumulative changes in populations over time, resulting in the vast diversity of organisms that have existed and currently exist on Earth. The theory of evolution is supported by various types of evidence, ranging from fossil records to molecular biology. Additionally, the mechanisms by which evolution occurs, such as natural selection and genetic drift, play a crucial role in shaping the adaptations seen in organisms. In this paper, we will explore the evidence supporting evolution and discuss the mechanisms driving this process.
Evidence Supporting Evolution
1. Fossil Record
The fossil record provides tangible evidence of evolutionary changes over millions of years. Transitional fossils, such as Archaeopteryx, a bird-like dinosaur with feathered wings, bridge the gap between different species, demonstrating evolutionary links. For instance, the evolution of whales from land-dwelling mammals is supported by fossil evidence showing gradual changes in skeletal structure and adaptations for aquatic life.
2. Comparative Anatomy
Comparative anatomy examines the structural similarities and differences between different species. Homologous structures, such as the pentadactyl limb seen in vertebrates, suggest a common evolutionary origin. Analogous structures, like wings in birds and insects, indicate convergent evolution due to similar selective pressures despite different ancestral origins.
3. Molecular Biology
Advancements in molecular biology have provided compelling evidence for evolution through genetic similarities among different species. DNA sequencing has revealed shared genetic codes and sequences between organisms that reflect their evolutionary relationships. For example, the high degree of genetic similarity between humans and chimpanzees supports a common ancestor.
Modern Example of Natural Selection
A classic modern example of observed natural selection is the peppered moth (Biston betularia) in industrial England. During the Industrial Revolution, pollution darkened tree trunks with soot, making light-colored moths more visible to predators. This selective pressure favored the survival of dark-colored moths, leading to a shift in moth populations towards predominantly dark individuals.
Mechanisms of Evolution
1. Natural Selection
Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin. It involves the differential survival and reproduction of individuals with advantageous traits that are better suited to their environment. Over time, these traits become more prevalent in the population due to their increased reproductive success.
2. Genetic Drift
Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population due to chance events. These fluctuations are more pronounced in small populations and can lead to the loss of genetic diversity over generations. Genetic drift is a significant factor in the evolution of isolated populations.
3. Gene Flow
Gene flow involves the exchange of genetic material between different populations of the same species. This can introduce new alleles into a population or homogenize gene pools between populations. Gene flow can counteract genetic drift and promote genetic diversity within a species.
Influence of Humans on Evolution
Humans have undoubtedly influenced the process of evolution through various activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and selective breeding. These human-driven factors can act as selective pressures on natural populations, leading to rapid evolutionary changes. For instance, overfishing has resulted in the selection for smaller fish that mature at younger ages to escape capture, altering the gene pool of fish populations.
In conclusion, the theory of evolution is supported by a wealth of evidence from diverse fields such as paleontology, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology. The mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow, underpin the gradual changes seen in populations over time. While humans can influence evolutionary processes through their activities, understanding and conserving natural ecosystems are crucial for preserving biodiversity and allowing natural selection to shape future adaptations in living organisms.

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