Evolution Reflection

A controversial topic of discussion, evolution can invoke heated debate between individuals of a theistic background and persons of an atheistic approach. Those with a religious background tend to have a belief that God created the world and all the creatures upon the earth, and achieved this feat in the span of a few days. Cataclysms occur and biological changes happen due to a divine influence. Conversely, the non-religious view evolution as a scientific fact, and believe that natural selection has occurred over millions of years. Evolutionists see catastrophes as a product of the natural order of the Earth. Biological changes occur due to environmental factors over a progression of time. I have always viewed evolution as fact. I believe that humans, and all creatures on this Earth, have developed through natural selection over millions of years. Evolution will continue to mold the future of the entire planet, despite the fact that we continue to try and thwart natural selection with modern medicine and science. Diseases have developed over time to control our population and to promote characteristics that will ensure our survival. According to the video, Natural Selection (Green, 2012), there are four principles to evolution. The first principle, variation, involves the adaptation of DNA of certain phenotypes so the species can be successful at surviving. The second principle discussed in the video, heritability, involves the ability of the species to pass on these traits to their offspring. Another principle, the struggle for existence, is also introduced in the video. Hank Green explains that this occurs when a species’ population grows too big for its environment. As a result, plague, famine, and/or war ensue to control the population growth. Lastly, the video propounds the principle of survival and reproductive rates. Mr. Green further describes those individuals with the most favorable traits will be able to reproduce more and survive longer.
These principles are illustrated in the video, A Mutation Story (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2001). Evolution created a parasite which controlled the population of certain species. Natural selection then provided an adaptation in human DNA which created a deviation in the genes of people exposed to malaria. This variation altered the structure of red blood cells when exposed to the parasite, and enables those with this genetic anomaly to overcome the potentially deadly effects of malaria. This genetic predisposition is now an inheritable trait in specific populations.
Knowledge of evolution is extremely significant in the healthcare industry. Researching the origins of disease, and how they evolve and adapt, is essential in developing treatments and cures. Understanding human evolution on a genetic level may eventually allow us to modify DNA to eliminate undesirable traits, characteristics, and disorders. Whether this is a benefit to humans or a detriment to our species is a topic for consideration, but unfortunately, not germane to this reflection.
Psychology and evolution are intertwined. While evolution can physically explain our origins, psychology can explain our behavior as it has changed over time and created a diverse human population. Myers (2011) explains that not only do our genes form us as a species, but so do our behaviors and experiences. We are created not only biologically, but also influenced by the world around us. We have grown from simple creatures which hunted, gathered, and procreated, to a complex society, capable of extraordinarily complex thoughts and actions. Who knows what the future may hold, as technology and the human mind grow exponentially.