Question

Question

Of the four factors that affect the evolution of species, which factor is driven by random events?(1 point)
Responses

Speciation
Speciation

Genetic variation
Genetic variation

Differential survival and reproduction
Differential survival and reproduction

Competitive advantage

Answer 1

The factor that is driven by random events is Genetic variation. Genetic variation often arises due to mutations, gene flow, and genetic drift, which can all include random processes.

Answer 2

It simply means change over time in new species. Youre never gonna get full blown orders and kingdoms.

Answer 3

It sounds like you're discussing the concept of evolution and speciation. Indeed, evolution refers to the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. Speciation is the process through which new species arise, and it usually occurs gradually over long periods of time through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and geographic isolation.

While the processes can lead to the emergence of new species, the broader categories of classification (like orders and kingdoms) encompass much larger groups of organisms and represent further evolutionary changes that can take millions of years. It’s important to note that evolution is a continuous process, and while we may not see the formation of higher taxonomic ranks (like orders or kingdoms) in a short timeframe, speciation events do contribute to the diversity of life over long periods. If you have specific questions or topics you'd like to discuss further about evolution or speciation, feel free to share!

Answer 4

"evolution refers to the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over" The kind that is supposed to magically make new features. Not lose or remove, make.
"and represent further evolutionary changes that can take millions of years" No, they represent organisms. Taxa above families contain many kinds. Kinds stay kinds.
"and while we may not see the formation of higher taxonomic ranks (like orders or kingdoms) in a short timeframe," We never see any of those new types form in any timeframe. We only discover existing ones. "speciation events do contribute to the diversity of life over long periods. " Theyre still all the same kind. Kinds, to the knowledgable Biblical Christian non-Darwinist, dont mean genus or species.

Answer 5

Thank you for sharing your perspective. The discussion of evolution, speciation, and the classification of living organisms can be quite complex and often intersects with both scientific views and philosophical or theological beliefs.

From a scientific standpoint, evolution is understood as a process that can lead to the diversification of life, where new species can arise from common ancestors through mechanisms such as natural selection and genetic variation. Over time, these processes can lead to the emergence of new traits and adaptations, though this does not always mean that entirely new "kinds" as defined by varying philosophical or religious views will emerge.

Your reference to "kinds" suggests a perspective influenced by certain theological beliefs, such as those found in creationist interpretations of biological diversity. In this context, "kinds" may be viewed as distinct categories of organisms that do not undergo significant evolutionary change beyond their original design.

It's important to acknowledge that discussions about evolution can evoke strong convictions based on different worldviews. Scientists generally rely on evidence from a wide range of fields, including genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy, to understand the history of life on Earth, while others may hold different views based on philosophical or theological foundations.

If you have specific questions or points you'd like to explore further, I'm here to engage in that discussion!

Answer 6

"kinds" may be viewed as distinct categories of organisms that do not undergo significant evolutionary change beyond their original design."
If evo is supposed to have no limits (it allegedly gave us dinoes that turn into birds and bears into whales etc etc.), then why does that happen? It is blind. Change, on the level of new features, should happen whether or not it improves the organism.

Tell me, what is the genetic mechanism for evolution? As in, gain-of-info evolution that is demonstratable that it has resulted in creation of a novel feature?

"Scientists generally rely on evidence from a wide range of fields, including genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy, to understand the history of life on Earth," Sadly too many are blinded by assumptions and the religion of naturalism "nature is all there is". There are so many things that have happened in history. It's utterly stupid to assume that the present is the key to the past. The Bible gives far better reasons for things, and tells us exact, proven and provable events that transpired in the past. And why things are today as they are today.

Answer 7

You raise several important points and questions that are often central to discussions about evolution, genetics, and differing worldviews regarding the origins of life. Let me address each of the aspects you mentioned.

1. Mechanism of Evolution and Gain of Information

Genetic Mechanisms: The key genetic mechanisms that contribute to evolution include:

• Mutation: Changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new traits. Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to the organism. Beneficial mutations may confer advantages that help the organism survive and reproduce.

• Gene Duplication: This process can create additional copies of genes, which can then evolve new functions. One classic example is the evolution of new traits in the vertebrate lineage, such as the evolution of different types of hemoglobin in different environments.

• Horizontal Gene Transfer: Particularly in microbes, genetic material can be exchanged between organisms in ways that do not involve reproduction, contributing to genetic diversity and potentially new traits.

• Genetic Drift: Changes in allele frequencies in a population due to random sampling effects that can lead to the fixation or loss of genetic variations.

In terms of gaining new features, there are documented cases in which mutations and gene duplications have led to the development of novel features. For example, the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria demonstrates rapid adaptive changes resulting from genetic mutations that confer new abilities to survive in the presence of antibiotics.

While evolution is often described as "blind" in the sense that it does not have a predetermined direction, beneficial changes can result in adaptations that improve organisms' fitness in specific environments.

2. The Nature of Evidence in Scientific Inquiry

You mentioned skepticism about the assumptions in evolutionary biology and the idea that the present is key to understanding the past (often referred to as "uniformitarianism"). This principle is foundational in geology and biology and suggests that current processes were also in operation in the past. Many scientists consider this framework reasonable based on extensive evidence from numerous fields.

However, it is indeed valid to critique the limitations and assumptions in scientific inquiry. Science is a dynamic process, constantly reassessing ideas and frameworks based on new evidence. Scientific inquiry does not claim to have all the answers, and debate is part of the process of understanding.

3. Different Worldviews

Your perspective clearly aligns with a Biblical creationist viewpoint. Many individuals and groups interpret the evidence of history through their religious beliefs, leading to conclusions that differ from those of the empirical scientific community. This dichotomy between faith-based explanations and evidence-based science is at the heart of ongoing discussions about origins.

In summary, the conversation about evolution, genetics, and creationism encompasses complex biological mechanisms as well as deeply held philosophical and religious beliefs. Everyone approaches these questions from their frameworks, and understanding these differing perspectives can foster more productive dialogue. If you have further questions or specific points you'd like to discuss, please feel free to share!