Adopting

Animals, like female lions, have been observed adopting the young offspring of they prey they recently killed and ate. Does this demonstrate some form of inter species altruism. Is there a selective advantage for the predators who choose to do this? Connect this theme to interdependence in nature.

Evolution you can see!

On P.135-136, Coyne described an experiment conducted in California to test the hypothesis that drought causes plants to flower earlier. The plant used was the mustard plant, Brassica rapa, and after the five year experimental period, the plant descendants of original plants in the experiment began to flower a week earlier. This is an example of evolution that can be seen within a human lifetime. What are other examples evolutions that can be witnessed within a human lifetime? What causes these evolutions? Finally, how does this relate to the biological themes?

The Present Day

Most of the prompts talked about earlier were either about the past or the future but "what about now?" Coyne said, "Although selection doesn't seem to have produced major differences between races, it has produced some intriguing differences between populations [<---italicized] within ancient groups. Since these populations are quite young, it is clear evidence that selection has acted in humans within recent times" (216-217). Coyne provided an example of how people begin to lose the ability to digest lactose after weaning becoming lactose intolerant. Provide another example to show how natural selection has occured in humans within recent times. Also, What changes in future populations would today's society cause?

Once Useful, now harmful

Coyne mentioned that "genes that were once useful may, due to cultural change, now have destructive effects" (218). Coyne provides the example of how our love for sweets and fats resulkt in obesity, tooth decay and heart problems. Why do you think this happens? Provide other examples where once useful genes, now have many side effects.

Natural Selection vs Sexual reproduction

Coyne said, "...NAtural Selection isn't the only process of evolutionary change. Most biologists define evolution as a change in the proportion of alleles (different forms of gene) in a population" (122). Compare and contrast evolution involving genes and evolution involving natural selection. Which process do you think provides the better results and why?? Explain by providing effective examples and make sure to relate ur respose to the biological themes and the AP Biology course.

Animals that are just FABULOUS!!!

Today I was watching an episode of the Colbert Report on Hulu. At the end of the show there was a guest on by the name of Jon Mooallem promoting an article he wrote in New York Times Magazine called “They Gay?” Basically, the article is about recent observations of same sex activity seen in about 450 different species of animals. A few examples given are female koalas, male dolphins, and female albatrosses. The animal focused on the most in the article is the female albatross. Scientists are beginning to think that these albatrosses might be lesbians, or “albatresbians” as Colbert puts it. In the albatross's case, one or both females will have an egg (prior to having the egg the females will go off and mate but come back to the nesting site). Then both will raise the chick together. Could the albatrosses not recognize the other as being the same sex, since many monogamous pairs are hard to distinguish as being male or female? Do you believe that there is a selective advantage to this behavior? Support your answer with previously discussed material (see chapters 46 and 51). Do you hypothesize that animals exhibiting same sex activity are evolving to become hermaphrodites? Try to relate this theme to Continuity and Change, Interdependence in Nature, or maybe even Regulation.
Eric Hennings

Whales!

From pages 47-52, Coyne talks about the evolution of whales. He notes how unique the evolution of whales was, since whales evolved from land mammals. There is striking evidence in support of this idea, mostly from fossils that clearly show whale fossils appearing no earlier than 30 million years ago. We know that whales evolved from land mammals, but my question is: why do you think that whales moved from land to aquatic/marine environments? What benefits did the whales gain from this transition? What new obstacles did/do whales face as a result of this transition? Be sure to use Coyne's book, as well as outside knowledge (look up information about whales!) when answering this question. Also, don't forget about themes!

To the Future

What do you think will happen to the human race in the future? How do you think Homo sapiens might evolve years and years and millions of years from now? Do you believe that there could be some sort of superspecie in the future that is adapted to life anywhere (land, air, sea) because it is selectively advantageous to have so many getaway options?
Give your own theory on how today's modern man might evolve. Also, research to see if you can find any other theories on evolution in the future and summarize it.

A World Without

In many parts of the book, Coyne repeatedly states that humans are responsible for the extinction of many species either directly or indirectly through our actions. Indeed, nowadays, you can’t find a newspaper without an article about going green, or saving the environment and stopping the destruction of rain forests, etc. However, if humans are so destructive, than what would the world be like without humans?

Pretend that the human race met with a biological dead end early in their evolution from our most common ancestor and became extinct. How would the world look like today? What species, if any, has the presence of humans suppressed that would be more numerous in a world without humans? Has the presence of humans actually helped other organisms in some ways and if so, what would the lack of humans do to this species? You may focus on and describe a general view of the world (but don’t be too vague, include examples) or focus on the development of a specific species that has been greatly impacted by humans and how that development would be changed without the presence of humans. Be sure to relate to biological themes.

It's good to be sensitive

In this day and age many people are concerned with the loss of habitat of other organisms or extinction of the organisms themselves. Do you believe that this concern for other life on earth is a selective advantage to humans, or do you believe that helping save other organisms is just a good thing to do, not necessarily a selective advantage? Be sure to relate your response to previously discussed topics and to the biological themes. Try to focus on the themes of Interdependence in Nature, Regulation, or maybe even Energy Transfer.

Refuting "Bad Design"

What are some examples many scientists believe are evident of bad design that you disagree with, or that other scientists find to actually be beneficial to the organism? For example, the structure of the Giant Panda's thumb, once thought to be a bad design, has been studied further and now a new study shows that the thumb is “one of the most extraordinary manipulation systems” among mammals. Experiments show that the thumb and the accessory carpal bone “form a double pincer-like apparatus enabling the panda to manipulate objects with great dexterity” (http://www.godandscience.org/evolution/designgonebad.html). Many scientists argue that the thumb of the giant panda is bad because it doesn't function like a primates thumb. However, others argue that this doesn't necessarily mean that the structure is bad design, since the structure allows the Panda to take hold of bamboo shoots just fine. Make sure to relate this theme to structure and function.

Natural vs. Artificial Selection

Since the first organisms, natural selection has sculpted the organisms to become more idealized in there environment. In chapter 5, "The Engine of Evolution," Jerry Coyne wrote that "Natural selection, as we find, is everywhere, scrutinizing individuals, culling the unfit and promoting the genes of the fitter. It can create intricate adaptations, sometimes in surprisingly little time." At the same time, we are learning to understand our world. We have previously experimented in influencing bacteria to generate that totally awesome green glow. We can artificially alter strands of DNA to generate more prosperous products such as increasing crop yields and producing synthetic medicine. Which means do you believe is more viable in the production of future more evolved species? Natural Selection or Artificial Selection and whether you deem that either humans or nature should have the final say in evolution. Please provide evidence and support your claims.

The Nonbelievers

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread163678/pg1
http://www.newgeology.us/presentation32.html

Look through these two sites (or find your own site) that challenge the theory of evolution. Find a point that the site mentions that you believe is wrong, and explain against/refute their claim with evidence from either outside sources or from "Why Evolution Is True."

Bad Design

Starting on page 81, Coyne challenges the idea of a 'designer' creating the organisms we see today by pointing out a whole bunch of imperfections in the design of animals.
One imperfection or flaw that Coyne goes into much detail with is the movement of the eyes of the flounder, and how the flounder came to be the ground-skimming fish it is today. An intelligent designer, Coyne says, would have designed the flounder with both eyes on the top side of the fish in the first place, instead of having the eyes on opposite sides and having to move around the skull , which also deforms the body of the fish.
Using the book or an outside resource, describe an example of bad design, how it came to be, and what could have been a better option or design.

Sister Species

In the chapter The origin of species, Mr. Coyne talks about sister species. Sister species are "species that are each others closets relatives [but] were ofter separated in nature by geographical barriers" (175). For example sister species of sea urchins were found on opposite sides of the isthmus of Panama. In your response explain how the geographical separation of sister species could have something to do with how the species came from a common ancestor. Also explain the natural selection that arises from having sister species. Provide an example of sister species in your explanation.

Evolution and Interdependence in Nature

In the chapter titled “What is Evolution?” Coyne discusses the history of life in terms of a tree “with all species originating from a single trunk” (7). This statement is saying that all species diverged from one common ancestor, implying that all species are somewhat related. Organisms are also related in the ways they interact with each other: symbiosis, predation, parasitism, competition, etc. Different relationships can either prove or even cause evolution, and so evolution goes hand in hand with the theme of interdependence in nature. Assess the validity of this statement. Do you feel that these two biological themes are at all related? If so, then how are they related? Give examples—using the book, Campbell, or any outside sources—of how interdependence in nature has caused or gives proof of evolution.

Geographic Isolation of Humans

In chapter 7, Coyne discusses how speciation depends mostly on geographic isolation. Differences in geography cause a species to develop different adaptations to suit their environment. Although humans today have evolved fairly convergently, our species have also developed adaptations based on our geographic locations. While today’s technology almost completely eliminates isolationism between humans, in the past, humans were restricted by the same geographic barriers as animals (i.e. mountains, oceans, etc). An example of an adaptation is skin color, where humans living in regions where the intensity of the sun is higher have darker skin to protect against excess UV light. Besides the example given above, what other adaptive differences have evolved from geographic isolation between humans and how has that adaptation helped humans survive?

Your Theory for the Evolution of Birds

On page 46 of the book, Coyne describes two different theories for how birds might have evolved from reptiles. One theory is the "trees down" theory, and the other is the "ground up" theory.

Which theory seems more likely to you (ignore Coyne's preference)? Provide an explanation for why you chose that particular theory and back it up with information from the book, the textbook, and/or outside sources. Don't forget to tie in a theme.

The origin of species

In the beginning of the chapter The origin of species, Mr. Coyne states that the thing that defines a species is that organisms of that species can't mate with some one outside that species. Organisms have certain characteristics that make them undesirable towards different species for mating. Explain the advantages of not being able to mate outside your species and explain how it relates to evolution. Provide an organism that helps you explain the concept.

Evolution This Past Week!

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/science/04/08/hominid.discovery.skeleton/index.html?iref=allsearch

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=south-african-hominin-fossil

These are articles from CNN and the Scientific American about partial skeletons of an adult female and a male juvenile. In Coyne's

chapter, "What About Us,"specifically in pages 194-210, our Fossil Ancestors are discussed. Coyne goes into detail about two

theories, not debating whether or not evolution occurred, but how. The first theory is the "multiregional" theory (206) which

says that H. erectus evolved into H. sapiens independently in several areas. The second theory is the "out of Africa" theory,

which is supported by genetic and fossil evidence. The "out of Africa" theory says that H. sapiens originated in Africa and

spread. Going back to the articles, just this past week 2-million-old skeletons were discovered in South Africa. Using these

articles, as well as the book and outside sources, discuss the importance of these findings on Evolutionary Theory, and discuss

how this new discovery affects both the "multiregional" and "out of Africa" theories Coyne mentions.

False Monogamy

On page 159, Coyne mentions the fairy wren as a specie that seems to be monogamous in mating, but in fact only are monogamous with 'social mates' and literally MATE with other males of the population.
Find another example of a specie that has a separate, monogamous-like 'social mate' but mates with others that is not the 'social mate.' Describe the differences between the males and the females of the specie. What sort of selective advantage do you think there is in having a different mating mate and social mate? How could this have developed?

Diffferences in embryos

In chapter 3 on pages 73-80, Mr. Coyne explains the stages that happen from an embryo to the full organism. He explains that "all vertebrates begin development in the same way [but] as development proceeds, different species begin to diverge"(73). Using Why evolution is true, the Campbell book, and outside sources, provide a description of an animal from their embryo stage to when they are born. Explain how, when, and why certain organs and structures form in the animal. Also explain the similarities and differences of the development process of your chosen animal to other animals.

Home Field Advantage?

On page 111 and 112, Coyne explains the Asian giant hornet and how it ravages nests of introduced European honeybees. Thirty hornets alone can kill up to thirty thousand honeybees in just a few short hours. Afterwards, the hornets plunder the nest for food for their young. However, Coyne also mentions the native Japanese honeybee, which are able to basically roast the Asian giant hornet. How did the Japanese honeybee develop such an evolutionary advantage (Think about the Japanese honeybee being native and European being introduced)? Can you think of any other examples where a native species has developed a defense against a threat, while an introduced species falls prey to the threat? Consult outside sources in your quest to successfully answer this.

Breeding

On pages 125-128, Coyne discusses natural selection as it relates to breeding, or artificial selection. He provides examples, such as dogs and turkeys, of species that have been bred by humans to select for specific traits.

Do you think that breeding could lead to speciation and evolution eventually? If so, how? Does breeding interfere with the idea of "survival of the fittest," or does it enhance it? Feel free to consult any outside sources.

Evolution of a more complex brain

Near the end of the chapter “What about Us?” Coyne states that, much like the development of bipedalism, hominids evolved a more complex brain based off of climate and environmental pressures. However, Coyne also states that the theory that early hominids developed complex brains in order to create more complex tools for survival also “ignores other selective pressures for bigger and more complex brains, including the development of language, negotiating the psychological intricacies of primitive society, planning for the future, and so on” (209). Based off this, why do you think that the brains of today’s humans are capable of such abstract thinking? Considering that the main goal of any species is to live and reproduce, what selective advantages are there for humans to be able to learn, say, mathematics? And finally, what do you think are the selective pressures that influenced the refinement of an early hominid's brain to that of a modern human's and how did these factors change the evolution of the brain?

Fighting for the Females

In chapter 6 "How Sex Drives Evolution," Jerry Coyne suggests that one of two forms of sexual selection occurs through the process of "direct competition between males for access to females" (148). In direct competition, males fight using there adaptations to overcome other males. The victors would have access to the females and be able to reproduce with them. "Selection will favor any trait that promotes such victories so long as the increased chance of getting mates more than offsets any reduced survival. This kind of selection produces armaments: stronger weapons, larger body size, or anything that helps a male win physical contests" (149). Please provide examples of organism that perform direct competition during courtship and explain how their physical adaptations developed.

Divergent Evolution

On page 173, Coyne writes that "two species of the monkeyflower Mimulus live in the same area of the Sierra Nevada, but rarely interbreed because one species is pollinated by bumblebees and the other by hummingbirds" (Coyne 173). Coyne later explains a hypothesis of how one monkeyflower species diverged from the other on page 175-176. Explain the mechanism that caused this evolution. Also, name other related species that cannot interbreed for some reason. Explain why they cannot interbreed. Consult outside sources to support your examples.

Is Evolution All But Proven?

After reading through all of the evidence provided by Jerry Coyne, in your mind, are there any missing "pieces to the puzzle"? Are there questions remaining about certain aspects of the theory of evolution? If so, is there any evidence that would verify evolution once and for all? If you believe that evolution is as proven as any other scientific fact/principle and no further proof is needed, please provide a possible point of contention, a possible missing link, and disprove it.

While answering these multiiple related questions, please utilize Coyne's book, prior knowledge and/or outside research, and refer/connect your answer to the biological themes.

Embryology

In Chapter 3, "Remnants: Vestiges, Embryos, and Bad Design," Jerry Coyne illustrates how all vertebrates begin development in the same way, looking rather like an embryonic fish. As development proceeds, different species begin to diverge - but in weird ways. Some blood vessels, nerves, and organs that were present in the embryos of all species at the start suddenly disappear, while others go through strange contortions and migrations. Eventually, the dance of development culminates in the very different adult forms of fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians and mammals (73). The embryo replays evolutionary history from our origins from fish to our current evolutionary stage mammal but only the embryonic remnant's of past organisms appear during the embryonic stage. What do you believe causes the embryo to cease development after achieving the embryonic form of each ancestor during embryonic stage?

Biological Themes and stuff

So I'm taking this a completely different direction. Coyne doesn't necessarily reflect this idea verbatim in his texts, but the eight biological themes are universal and he of course references them from time to time, whether intending to or not. My question is this. In your opinion, which of the eight biological themes can be best used to prove evolution is true? Use all of your knowledge of each theme as best you can (we've written enough JAEs haven't we?) and Mr. Coyne's whole book as a reference. (And good luck trying to prove evolution is true by using the evolution theme but if you can it will impress me.)

Predation and Prey Adaptations

In Chapter 5, Coyne discusses how wild mice have developed different coloration depending on the color of the soil the mice live in in order to avoid predators (116). An experiment conducted by Donald Kaufman revealed that this adaptation successfully aided mice in avoiding predators such as owls and therefore being able to survive and reproduce. These results indicate that the coloration of the mice likely evolved through the forces of natural selection, resulting in coloration that concealed the prey organism from predators.

What are other examples of adaptations that prey organisms have evolved to help them escape predators? How might these adaptations have come about and how do these adaptations defend the prey from possible predators? Furthermore, if a new predator were to be introduced to the environment, would the adaptation remain effective in defending the prey organism? Be sure to connect your response to information we learned earlier this year and the biological themes.

Human Evolution

In Coyne's chapter, "What about Us?" he discusses the evolution of humans. Coyne says, "Since Dart's time, paleoanthropologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists have used fossils and DNA sequences to establish our place in the tree of evolution. We are apes descended from other apes, and our closest cousin is the chimpanzee, whose ancestors diverged from our own several million years ago in Africa. These are indisputable facts." (p192). Coyne's established that we know where we stand in evolutionary history. We are the most advanced and intelligent race. My question is, how (if at all) do you think humans will evolve? What are some traits/characteristics of humans that are, as we say in class "unintelligent design?" Make sure you incorporate the theme of 'Relationship Between Structure and Function.'

Effects of Technology--Breeding, DNA Sequencing, Medicine

Coyne discusses the idea of artificial selection—animal and plant breeding—in which "it is the breeder rather than nature who sorts out which variants are 'good' and 'bad'" (127). This means that often the trait that a breeder is selecting may not be fit for the animal or plant in nature. By breeding organisms, it seems that people are using technology to undermine evolution. Coyne also discusses the advancements that DNA sequencing has made in providing evidence of evolution. And finally, Coyne mentions that "it's likely that, due to cultural change, we are going downhill genetically in many ways" (218). Coyne is saying that today's technological advances may save people's lives, but also allows for people with bad genes to survive and reproduce. Overall it seems that technology has made both positive and negative effects. What do you think are the implications of technology on evolution? Is artificial selection "beating" or undermining natural selection? In addition, do you feel that technology is helping or hindering our growth?

Female-Preferred Traits

In chapter 6, "How Sex Drives Evolution," Coyne mentions that in species that practice female choice, some traits preferred by females provide direct benefits,such as a mate that will help care for offspring, or indirect benefits, such as a mate that will pass on healthier genes. Even seemingly random traits, such as brighter colors in birds, can sometimes signal to the female that the male can provide direct or indirect benefits to the offspring. Conversely, females may also discriminate against certain traits that would signify that the male would not be a good parent, such as the "lousy" male sage grouse (page 165).

Choose a species that exhibits female choice (it's okay if you are a male), and examine one trait that the females of the species seem to prefer or discriminate against. Relate this trait to how the male could (or could not) provide direct or indirect benefits to the offspring.

Is Technology Disrupting Evolution?

Natural selection is the major mechanism of evolution, resulting in the fittest organisms that can reproduce and pass on genes. Is technology disrupting the natural progression of evolution in the purest sense of the idea?

Instead of simply adapting to the natural environment, an organism must now attempt to adapt to the pollution, irrigation, and urbanization of human civilization. Is technology and scientific progress actually hindering the all-important process in science that is evolution? Or, are there actually evidence of technology inducing positive changes in an organism's genome?

Please support your specific and detailed ideas with evidence from Coyne, Campbell, and outside sources. Also, please relate your ideas to a biological theme.

Technology and Gathering Evidence in Support of Evolution

Throughout the book, we see Coyne's assertion of why evolution is true backed up by multiple sources of evidence (ex: vestiges, fossils, coevolution, experiments, etc.). However, it may be advantageous to discuss the technology that has helped gather the evidence used to support evolution.

Explain how one of the pieces of evidence that Coyne uses could be found through utilization of modern technology or scientific techniques (e.g. PCR). Be sure to compare older methods to these more current techniques and how modern techniques aid scientists in gathering more or better data. Note that modern technology does not need to be strictly scientific equipment, but can also include any piece of technology that is used in the modern world that was not available during the age of Darwin.

Kin Selection

When introducing natural selection in the chapter "The Enging of Evolution," Jerry Coyne stresses the coordination of "randomness" and "lawfulness" in the process of natural selection (or "the non-random survival of random variants"). At first glance, the randomness seems insignificant; however, in reality, it is absolutely necessary for any type of purposeful change in the population to take place. The importance of randomness is highlighted in increasing the fitness of the species rather than the individual. Relate this concept to kin selection. Does evolution through kin selection work against this process by limiting variation?

Sympatric Speciation pt. 2

Coyne discusses two forms of sympatric speciation. Allopolyploid speciation and polyploid speciation. Compare and contrast the two types of speciation. Also discuss autopolyploidy and polyploidy. Research, name, and describe an organism that has arisen from polypoidy or autopolyploidy.
Once you have composed your answer, try to say "allopolyploid polyploid autopolyploidy polypoidy" four times as fast as you can (: and do tell if you were successful in your venture.

Sympatric Speciation

In Coyne's chapter "The Origin of Species" he discusses the idea of sympatric speciation, or speciation that occurs without geographic barriers. Coyne says that Darwin repeatedly enforced the idea that a species could diverge within a small unisolated area. It seems that Coyne diasagrees with Darwin and thinks that speciation would not occur with individuals that are constantly mixing. He says that "mathematical theories show tht sympatric speciation is possible, but only under restrictive conditions that may be uncommon in nature" (184). Do you agree with either scientist? Why? To what extent, do you feel, is either scientist correct? What are ways other than geographical barriers that could cause speciation to occur? Relate the idea of speciation to biological themes and/or things we have studied in class.

Introduced Species

On page 109, Jerry Coyne discusses the issues of introducing certain types of species such as the cane toad that have become pests and invasive species. However, Jerry Coyne also discusses how the European honeybee die off when these bees were introduced in Japan. What is the common relationship, if one, for the reason that certain species are capable of surviving or even taking over a geographic region, while other species fail to survive very long? What similarities create advantages or differences that are insignificant that give certain introduced species the ability to survive compared to others.

Gradualism and Population Ecology

At the very beginning of the book, Coyne mentions gradualism as one of the six components of evolutionary theory. In a previous blog post, students have mentioned environmental pressures as reasons for the speeding up and slowing down of the evolutionary process. Take this idea further and relate gradualism to carrying capacity and the logistic growth model. Try to include an example of a new species in an environment and ecological factors that will make its evolution speed up or slow down.

The Process of Proving Evolution

In the book, Coyne discusses the theme of science as a process as it relates to the theory of evolution. This connection is effectively summed up when he states: "Because a theory is accepted as 'true' only when its assertions and predictions are tested over and over again, and confirmed repeatedly, there is no one moment when a scientific theory suddenly becomes a scientific fact" (Coyne 16). Coyne goes on to describe the different ways that a theory can be proven true: testing against alternative theories; devising testable predictions that can then be proven; and using retrodictions, which are facts and data that make sense using the theory. In addition, advances in fields like paleontology, embyology, and genetics have provided more evidence supporting the theory of evolution.

Think of specific advances and discoveries in biology that have contributed to supporting the theory of evolution. In your response try to reference some specific experiments and/or scientists that made significant contributions.

Sensory-Bias

On page 166, Coyne uses the term sensory-bias model. He says these models explain sexual dimorphism. From class we already know that sexual dimorphism is the difference in characteristics (i.e. size, color) between different sexes. What are some examples of sensory-bias models and how do you think that sensory-bias models are, as Coyne says, "by-products of natural selection?"

The Speed of Evolution

Coyne mentions as a little aside note on page 51 that the evolution of whales from land to water, as well as our evolution from the common ancestor with chimpanzees to humans today were 'remarkably fast.'
What do you think accounts for the speed of evolution? Why do some animals change and evolve faster than others? What factors could contribute to this? Is a quick reproduction rate the only reason for fast evolution to occur quickly? (Like in bacteria and flies, or flowers)

Oceanic/Continental Islands

Oceanic islands provide strong evidence for evolution. Coyne discusses the difference between life on continental islands, such as the British Isles, and oceanic isles, such as Hawaii, on pages 100-109. Recall that continental islands were "once connected to a continent but later separated," but oceanic islands were "never connected to a continent" (Coyne 100). Many mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fishes never evolved in oceanic islands unless introduced by man. How do oceanic islands differ from continental islands and support the theme of evolution? Think about the different adaptive radiations and why life on these islands is unbalanced. Site specific examples of these adaptations, and explain why they relate to evolution.