Concept explainers
To explain: The actual meaning of the phrase “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” given by Theodosius Dobzhansky.
Introduction: Evolution is a process of natural changes that is occurring in the living world from over thousands of years. The process of evolution is continuous that is going on even now. Considering in human time, the rate of evolution is very slow. It may take a thousand of years for an organism to develop a particular character. Majority of the evolutionary changes takes place for the benefit of a particular species.
Explanation of Solution
Evolution is defined as the changes that take place in an organism over a course of time. It is a slow process that never stops. A large part of evolutionary changes happens for the better adaptation of the species to their environment and their good survival.
Biological studies alone can be explanatory about the working and function of biological organs and pathways. However, only biological studies alone cannot explain the development or origin of any particular organ or biochemical pathway. Origin and development of biological organs and pathways can be understood only by linking their biological studies with the evolutionary studies. This fact was put forward by evolutionary biologist “Theodosius Dobzhansky”.
To explain: The way in which evolution unifies the biological sciences.
Introduction: Evolution is a process of natural changes that is occurring in the living world from over thousands of years. The process of evolution is continuous that is going on even now. Considering in human time, the rate of evolution is very slow. It may take a thousand of years for an organism to develop a particular character. Majority of the evolutionary changes takes place for the benefit of a particular species.
Explanation of Solution
Using biological studies, one can determine the makeup and working of different biological organs and biochemical pathways. Biological studies are capable of informing about the “proximate causes” only. They are not capable of amplifying the detailed information about any
To explain: The other principles that can unify the biological sciences.
Introduction: Evolution is a process of natural changes that is occurring in the living world from over thousands of years. The process of evolution is continuous that is going on even now. Considering in human time, the rate of evolution is very slow. It may take a thousand of years for an organism to develop a particular character. Majority of the evolutionary changes takes place for the benefit of a particular species.
Explanation of Solution
Evolution has indeed very much unified the biological science but there are some other principles that also act as a unifying basis for the biological sciences. Some of these are as follows:
- Cell theory:
This theory states that every organism in the living world is made up of one or other type of cells. Living cells can only be formed from the pre-existing cells.
- Gene theory:
This theory states that in every living organism, all the information needed for their formation (cell formation) and proper functioning is carried by their genes. This information is called as “traits”. These traits are carried by the genome (DNA or RNA) of that organism and are passed on from one generation to the next.
- Homeostasis:
This is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment irrespective of the external environment. Every organism in the living world performs homeostasis. Process of homeostasis is carried out by different species in a different manner. Some adopt behavioral changes while others change their internal activities.
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