Abstract Biologist E. Mayr put forth a theory that interplay between human genes and their environment contributes to human evolution. He believes this sets narrow limits on allowable evolutionary changes within a species. The paper shows that developmental biologists believe that the genes active early in development are the oldest acquired genes, while those active in the later stages of development are more recently acquired genes. In this respect, changes in the older genes would have more serious deleterious effects in the individual than changes in the newer genes. This paper produces support for this theory on human evolution by providing examples of human and other mammal development.
From the Paper "Engels (2) uses the example of human hands to explain the idea of human evolution. He believes that hands are the "perfected product of hundreds of thousands of years of labor. The endless adaption of new manual operations allowed human hands to become indispensable tools." Engels postulates that as apes evolved into man, they adopted an upright posture and began using their hands for purposes other than walking. Even though monkeys used their hands for holding food, clubs to attack their enemies, etc., none has the capacity for using their hands that man does. Since even primitive man was able to fashion tools and spear heads, and even simple jewelry, the muscles, ligaments, and bones must have evolved over time to allow their use in more complicated tasks."
Tags: recapitulation, Genetic, mutations, Geneticist, DNA
Abstract Due to the fact that the world's tropical rainforests are located in areas far from the United States, many people ignore the fact that their future may depend on the future of these forests. Rainforests are being destroyed at an increasingly fast pace, much faster than any other ecological zone on earth. This paper examines the effect of acid rain on rainforests, mainly as a large contributor to deforestation, particularly in localized industrial areas in Africa, China, southeast Asia and northern South America.
From the Paper "Researcher also believe that we should be concerned about the impact of acid rain on forest soils, as there is evidence that acid rain has already caused significant changes in the chemistry of some sensitive soils. As acid rain seeps through the soils, it can erode vital plant nutrients through chemical reactions, presenting a threat to future forest productivity."
Abstract This paper discusses how the earthworm is considered the environment's natural recycler since it turns dead animals and plants into useful fertilizer within the soil. It examines how many people and companies throughout the world now use worms as a natural way to make composite out of leaves and other organic materials and how scientists are studying these creatures in an effort to replenish nutrients in soil that has been ruined with chemical agents.
Outline
Introduction
History of the Earthworm
Intelligence
The Digestive System
Make-up of the Soil
In the Soil
Survival of Earthworms
Species of Earthworms
An Important Job
Revitalizing Life
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are over 3,600 species of earthworms worldwide and many scientists believe twice that number may exist (McCarthy, 2002). One variety that lives near the Equator can grow to be 8 feet long and weigh over a pound. Nightcrawlers are different from most earthworms since they live deep in the soil and dig vertical tunnels over six feet deep. They also can grow to be a foot long and live over 5 years. Most earthworms live near the top of the soil, dig horizontal tunnels, and are short. Nightcrawlers do not need to completely leave their holes to feed. They keep their tails in their tunnels and bob back and forth looking for food and if grabbed by a predator, will hold on to the walls of their tunnels with amazing strength. At night, these worms can be heard as they rustle leaves while searching for food."
Abstract This research paper explains what DNA is and how it is used to solve criminal cases. Additionally, it discusses the implications of DNA fingerprinting in solving cold cases, with a focus on collection methods and applications in the state of California. The research analyzes and discusses the feasibility of DNA testing in solving cold cases and studies the impact that DNA fingerprinting has had on the forensic science community as a whole. The research is driven by studies and collection methods already implemented by the scientific community as well as future methods of collecting and testing DNA evidence as it relates to the investigation of unsolved murders.
From the Paper "Adding to an already heavy burden, most states including California are attempting to take DNA samples from a prison population approaching 2 million. This DNA information is being used in order to create state and national DNA databases. ?All 50 states have passed laws requiring collection of DNA from convicted sex offenders, and 34 states have enacted statutes requiring that DNA be taken from those convicted of other crimes.? (Price) Although most are in support of creating such a database, others feel that it is a violation of the American Constitution. Additionally, many proponents of DNA in criminal murder cases feel that DNA is still an unproven science with many inherent flaws that could convict innocent people and allow some to literally get away with murder."
Abstract This paper argues that higher mammals like primates, dolphins and whales are capable of and have evolved a complex language of their own. Towards this, the paper looks at the recent research done regarding the "whistling" and other auditory communication among dolphins. In arguing that this "whistling" constitutes and fulfills the functions of language, the paper uses the framework on the syntactic structures and the various aspects of language. Through an application of Chomsky's criteria, this paper argues that dolphins have evolved a communication system made of whistling sounds that serve many of the purposes of human language.
From the Paper "For Chomsky, human language is characterized first and foremost by structural principles like grammar, an underlying system of rules that govern the communication exchange. By understanding the rules that govern this communication, humans are able to develop a "creative ability" that allows them to speak or understand sentences that they have not heard previously (Chomsky 19-21)."
Abstract This paper examines how it has long been recognized that primates are more cognitively advanced than other mammals and how that the degree of cognitive awareness and ability grows significantly from prosimians to humans. It looks at the debate of which parameters should be used to define and compare intelligence as well as the causal factors leading to this cognitive growth. It analyzes how studying today's population of primates can shed some light on cognitive evolution and how it can also provide additional information on what makes humans unique and what can be done to eliminate primate extinction and enhance human evolution.
From the Paper "New world monkeys spend most of their time in the treetops. Living at such heights, they feed almost entirely on leaves and fruit. There is ample food and few large predators, aside from larger snakes and some birds of prey. New world monkeys have not developed the complex communities and family groups found among old world monkeys and apes. Most species give birth to twins and live in groups of 4-20 individuals. Social structure varies from one male-one female to multi-male-multi-female groups, with usually only one breeding adult female at a time. Groups are territorial and defend their home range through calls, fur displays, scent marking and facial expressions (ibid)."
Abstract The philosopher Thomas Nagel became famous for his advocacy of the idea that human consciousness and subjective experience cannot be reduced to a discussion of "mere" brain activity and that the human brain is bifurcated into two hemispheres. The paper shows that in his essay on ?Brain Bisection & the Unity of Consciousness,? Nagel stresses that merely because this is the case, the sum or interaction of human being's two brain hemispheres of left and right is essentially greater than the catalogued capabilities of the two parts. Nagel stresses this as proof of his thesis that the human consciousness is more extensive than simply a list of the respective components of the brain's left and right hemispheres. The paper critically analyzes Nagel's view. It also touches on the growing research on gender differences between the interaction of brain hemispheres
From the Paper "Even if human beings are indeed all ?brain,? this does not mean that human beings will not vary in the ways that the different components of their brain interact in an interesting, varied, and compassionate manner. Nagel fears the potential predictability of the human consciousness as reducing the mysteries of human subjectivity to a catalogue of components. But to suggest, for instance, that the right brain might deal more with abstraction, as to the hemispherical components of left brain which are said to deal more with verbal capacity, can hardly predict the relative ability of any individual to use those abstractive or verbal capacities."
Abstract This paper discusses the formation of tornadoes. This destructive natural phenomenon takes place very often in the Central region of the United States. The warm moist air collides with drier air to form super cells, which are massive storm accompanied by violent powerful winds.
Abstract This five page undergraduate paper examines how laughter affects the body on a physiological level. This paper also shows humor is being used as a therapy in healing illness and as an effective coping mechanism for dealing pain in children, and the terminally ill.
Abstract This paper is about alligators, specifically Florida alligators. The paper focuses on a brief history of alligators, their behaviors and impact on the ecology.
Abstract This paper examines the recent interest in life on Mars. Since the discovery of an asteroid of Martian origins with potentially organic fossils in it in the Antarctic in 1996, this theory has been revived. Scientists now cast doubt on this theory but five missions to Mars are still planned for 2003.
Abstract The paper looks at the structure and replication of DNA, and how these have been used to develop techniques that can be used to 'profile' the DNA of individuals. It is this DNA profiling that is used in crime-solving, by comparing DNA found at the scene of the crime with DNA taken from suspects.
Abstract This paper discusses the nature of cloning as pertains to infertile couples and argues against the matter. The writer shows that by understanding the principles for the cloning that is being done in recent science, there is a better approach to reveal the nature of creating babies within this scope. The writer examines the current state of stem cell research and thereby shows that one can find that cloning is not the direction to create human babies.
