Evolution & Speciation
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Like the theories of Nietzsche and Freud, the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin were swept aside by modern researchers. This breed of scientist thought new genetic techniques would provide more information on evolution than Darwin’s theories based on detailed observations of nature. Ecology, however, grew out of favor with evolutionary scientists who were more concerned with molecular family trees, and genetics. Recently, though, new studies have shed light on evolutionary science, particularly the ecological speciation model. This has inspired many evolutionary biologists to rediscover the theories of Darwin. The Hutchison Dictionary of Science defines speciation as “emergence of a new species during evolutionary history” (1).The paradigm shift that has occurred in recent evolutionary biology is due, in large part, to a series of studies that demonstrate new species can emerge in the same populations based not only on genetics and geographic separation but also environmental factors or ecology. Many individuals, who have no problem with the concept of evolution, do take exception to a concept involving the creation of new species. Thus, speciation based on environmental factors creates an ethical dilemma for many who believe species only come into being due to God. Despite such dilemmas, ecological speciation appears here to stay based on recent studies proving environmental factors, as well as genetics and ge
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eses to test the natural systems in which species dwell as a potential contributor or driving force behind speciation. For example, the number of natural predators in an ecosystem, the amount of pollution, the manner of feeding, and a host of other environmental factors are being considered as possible explanations for speciation - which at times proves quite sudden and rapid.
Traditionally, it was readily and widely accepted that geographical obstacles or separation between populations of the same species would interfere with the gene flow between them. Even when each population would live in an identical ecosystem, but separated from each other, they would form random mutations that would eventually make them unable or unwilling to reproduce when they were rejoined. Because of similar research studies that demonstrate the significance of ecological factors in speciation, evolutionary biologists are now studying speciation from both a genetic and an environmental perspective. Many scientists are now convinced (due to evidence from multiple studies that geographic separation or isolation by itself is not a satisfactory answer to speciation that is rapid and requires only a few mutations to make species unwilling or unable t
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Speciation Studies, Analysis DNA, Speciation Chin, Amphilophus Citrinellum, Dictionary Science, Charles Darwin, God Despite, Gilbert Chin, Morell Ecology, environmental factors, Chin Conflict, ecological speciation, sexual conflict, evolutionary biologists, driving force, sexual selection, evolutionary biology, sexual conflict environment, jaw morphs, force speciation, reproductive isolation, morphs jaw morphs, driving force speciation, color morphs jaw, factors play role,
Approximate Word count = 2099
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)
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