Required Resources Text Feder, K L 2016 the Past In Perspective ✓ Solved

For this assignment, you will be asked to write a three- to four-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) on natural selection. Your paper should include supporting evidence from the textbook, labs, and at least one resource from this list of scholarly resources.

In your paper, complete the following:

  • Define natural selection.

  • Summarize the influences on Charles Darwin that resulted in his development of the theory of natural selection.

  • Describe the conditions, or prerequisites, necessary for natural selection to occur.

  • Describe the effect of natural selection on one or more of the ancient hominids described in the textbook and lab lectures.

Paper For Above Instructions

Understanding Natural Selection: An Overview

Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, as proposed by Charles Darwin. It refers to the process through which species adapt to their environments as individuals with traits better suited for survival and reproduction pass those traits onto their offspring. In this paper, we will define natural selection, explore the influences that shaped Darwin’s theory, outline the prerequisites for its occurrence, and examine its impact on ancient hominids.

Defining Natural Selection

Natural selection can be defined as the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype. The process was first articulated by Darwin and serves as a foundational concept in the theory of evolution. According to Darwin (1859), organisms tend to produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources. Those individuals possessing advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby contributing to the gene pool of future generations. This leads to adaptation, where the characteristics of a population evolve over time to suit their environment.

Influences on Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection was profoundly influenced by a multitude of factors during his lifetime. One significant influence was his voyage on the HMS Beagle (1831-1836), during which he observed diverse species and their adaptations in the Galapagos Islands. The finches of the Galapagos, for instance, displayed varying beak shapes and sizes that corresponded to the types of food available on different islands (Grant & Grant, 2002). These observations reinforced Darwin's ideas about adaptation and variation.

Additionally, the work of Thomas Malthus, particularly his essay on population growth, played a crucial role in shaping Darwin’s thinking. Malthus argued that populations grow exponentially while resources grow arithmetically, leading to inevitable competition (Malthus, 1798). This concept of limited resources became a cornerstone for Darwin’s understanding of the struggle for existence and survival of the fittest. Moreover, the emerging field of geology and the notion of deep time, championed by scientists like Charles Lyell, contributed to Darwin's realization that species were not fixed and could evolve over vast timescales (Lyell, 1830).

Prerequisites for Natural Selection

For natural selection to occur, several conditions or prerequisites must be met. Firstly, there must be variation in traits among individuals in a population. This genetic variation arises from mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction. Secondly, the traits must be heritable, meaning they can be passed on to the next generation. Thirdly, individuals must compete for resources, creating a struggle for survival. Lastly, due to this competition, individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, which is the essence of Darwin's theory (Williams, 1996).

Impact of Natural Selection on Ancient Hominids

The effects of natural selection can be illustrated through the evolution of ancient hominids. For example, the development of bipedalism among hominids such as Australopithecus afarensis facilitated adaptation to life on the ground and in varying environments (Johanson & Edgar, 2006). Bipedalism allowed these early hominids to travel greater distances for food and evade predators more efficiently than their quadrupedal counterparts.

Moreover, natural selection influenced brain development in hominids. As the environment became more complex, those with larger brains capable of problem-solving and social interaction gained a survival advantage. This led to the emergence of Homo erectus with larger cranial capacities compared to earlier species (Holloway, 2002). Such adaptations highlight the dynamic interplay between environmental pressures and evolutionary changes in our ancestral line.

In conclusion, natural selection is a foundational concept in understanding the evolution of life on Earth. It underscores the importance of genetic variation, heritability, and environmental pressures that drive the adaptation of species. Charles Darwin's theory, informed by extensive observation and historical context, continues to hold significant relevance in the scientific understanding of evolution, particularly in relation to ancient hominids.

References

  • Darwin, C. (1859). The Origin of Species. John Murray.

  • Grant, P. R., & Grant, B. R. (2002). Adaptive Radiation of Darwin's Finches: The Galápagos Islands. American Scientist, 90(3), 220-229.

  • Holloway, R. L. (2002). The Human Capacity for Culture: Implications for Hominid Evolution. African Archaeological Review, 19(4), 135-154.

  • Johanson, D. C., & Edgar, B. (2006). From Lucy to Language. Simon & Schuster.

  • Lyell, C. (1830). Principles of Geology. John Murray.

  • Malthus, T. R. (1798). An Essay on the Principle of Population. J. Johnson.

  • Williams, G. C. (1996). Adaptation and Natural Selection. Princeton University Press.

  • Darwin, C. (1868). The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication. John Murray.

  • Ruse, M. (2012). Darwin and Design: Does Evolution Have a Purpose?. Harvard University Press.

  • Futuyma, D. J. (2013). Evolution. Sinauer Associates.