I define evolution as small changes in our genotype that become our phenotype. This can be influenced by natural or unintentional phenomena. A natural phenomenon is the evolution of dark skin. Where people in the tropics developed dark skin to block out the sun for protection. While people away from the equator had lighter skin to absorb the sun and get good amounts of vitamin D during the winter. An unintentional phenomenon is the shrinking of the mouth and jaw. Recently, I heard in a podcast by the School of Greatness, James Nestor, a scientific journalist come on the show to talk about the truth about breathing. They touched on why our jaws are getting smaller, this is because dentists have been removing our teeth for years so much that evolution adapted to this intervention. When I first learned about evolution, I was shocked to be quite honest. I understood why evolution and Christianity would contradict each other. However, I really believed the theory of evolution. Fast forward years later - now in my journey of self-actualization and longevity, I am now learning about the environmental toxins that we are currently getting exposed to and how to fight against them. On another note, for being non-living viruses are pretty amazing. It is now known that COVID-19 has mutated a few times. That, right there is evolution. I really believe it is a fact.
For more information:
The School of Greatness: The truth about breathing and why you're doing it wrong.
Evolution of skin color
COVID-19 Mutations
Hello Carmen! I really enjoyed hearing what your definition of evolution is based off of you previous knowledge and experiences. Your examples also provided great support into your idea of evolution. One question that came to mind while reading your blog is that I wonder if evolution has to be a phenotype? I honestly don't know the exact correct answer because in many examples about evolution, they usually reference phenotypes! Anyways, great post and I look foreward to reading more!!
ReplyDeleteHi Carmen!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I found the idea of skin pigmentation evolution very interesting. It is one of the many supporting evidence that I have learnt about in my history classes in high school, but never thought of whilst working on my post. In relation with vitamin D production which modulates reproductive processes, populations with darker skin pigmentation have more offspring than populations with lighter skin pigmentation at the equator. The opposite is true for populations at higher latitudes. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!