Evolution and how individuals and populations can change
Evolution and how individuals and populations can change
Evolution and how individuals and populations can change
This week’s discussion board will explore the concepts of evolution and how individuals and populations can change. The environment is constantly changing, providing multiple ways that natural selection can act on individuals, ultimately causing a population to evolve. Watch this short video going over the effects of climate change.
1. Using a real-life example, demonstrate how environmental changes can cause genetic changes in a population. Be sure to describe the fitness advantage involved and how this would cause those alleles to be more prevalent in the population and how this would cause the population to evolve.
Does evolution change individuals or populations?
Evolution and how individuals and populations can change
2. The impact of global climate change are constantly being debated. Making an educated decision on a topic involves considering valid (and factual) evidence from both sides of the fence. Do a google scholar search (see for two scientific articles: one that demonstrates climate change can benefit an organism/species/population and one that demonstrates it may negatively impact. Clearly describe the effects of climate change on your organism in your articles and the mechanism (or how, specifically) climate change can benefit or negatively impact a species.
3. Using this knowledge, discuss your views on Climate Change. Use one/two scientifically valid sources/articles/review articles to support your view.
4. Keep in mind that when determining the overall effects of climate change, we must consider the total sum of the effects (both positive and negative). Many people that do not believe climate change is an issue may be reluctant to believe otherwise and limit their understanding to evidence that supports their views. This is called confirmation bias (and this can go both ways!). Watch this short video below to better understand what confirmation bias is. Discuss how confirmation bias leads to an inaccurate view of topics and describe what you could do to avoid making this mistake.