SCI 203 Phase 2 Lab Report: Earthquake
Dustin Moyer
1-18-15
Professor Obenson
SCI 203 Phase 2 Lab Report
Speciation
The purpose of this lab is to discuss what would happen if a species within a population were suddenly split into two groups by an earthquake that creates a physical barrier such as a canyon. A species can grow into a large population. When this population is then split up by some type of natural occurrence, then one side must adapt to its new environment. So, the same population of species becomes a two completely separate species. For instance, polar bears didn’t start out with white colored fur. It was through evolution and adaptation that the polar bear grew to be a dominant cold weather predator. The hypothesis for this discussion is if one
entire group of species is split up due to natural events the separate group will then become completely different than the original group and thus will be unable at any point to rejoin the main group. Let’s say, for example, an entire species of bears populates an area. This environment is full of lush, green grass, strong flowing rivers teeming with fish. Then, disaster strikes, an earthquake’s massive destructive qualities shake the ground and separate half of this population. While the bears are similar in every way, soon the new species of bear will begin forming. The opposite side of the canyon is cold and doesn’t teem with wildlife as much as the other side did. The bear must adapt and evolve or it will perish. So, the bear develops over time a new, thicker layer of fur, develops black skin under its massive pelt to absorb what little warmth there is provided by the sun. This new bear becomes a completely different species because of environmental factors and lack of resources. Unfortunately, when this happens these bears can no longer return to their original group because these new bears are completely different than the old group of bears. As stated earlier, if anybody has watched a documentary on animals, then one knows that an animal adapted to the always changing environment allows the repopulation of stronger and faster animals. If these species are unable to adapt to their new surroundings then they will all eventually perish.
References
Colorado Technical University (2010) M.U.S.E., Reproductive Isolation, retrieved from https://campus.ctuonline.edu/courses/SCI203/p2/hub1/hub.html
1-18-15
Professor Obenson
SCI 203 Phase 2 Lab Report
Speciation
The purpose of this lab is to discuss what would happen if a species within a population were suddenly split into two groups by an earthquake that creates a physical barrier such as a canyon. A species can grow into a large population. When this population is then split up by some type of natural occurrence, then one side must adapt to its new environment. So, the same population of species becomes a two completely separate species. For instance, polar bears didn’t start out with white colored fur. It was through evolution and adaptation that the polar bear grew to be a dominant cold weather predator. The hypothesis for this discussion is if one
entire group of species is split up due to natural events the separate group will then become completely different than the original group and thus will be unable at any point to rejoin the main group. Let’s say, for example, an entire species of bears populates an area. This environment is full of lush, green grass, strong flowing rivers teeming with fish. Then, disaster strikes, an earthquake’s massive destructive qualities shake the ground and separate half of this population. While the bears are similar in every way, soon the new species of bear will begin forming. The opposite side of the canyon is cold and doesn’t teem with wildlife as much as the other side did. The bear must adapt and evolve or it will perish. So, the bear develops over time a new, thicker layer of fur, develops black skin under its massive pelt to absorb what little warmth there is provided by the sun. This new bear becomes a completely different species because of environmental factors and lack of resources. Unfortunately, when this happens these bears can no longer return to their original group because these new bears are completely different than the old group of bears. As stated earlier, if anybody has watched a documentary on animals, then one knows that an animal adapted to the always changing environment allows the repopulation of stronger and faster animals. If these species are unable to adapt to their new surroundings then they will all eventually perish.
References
Colorado Technical University (2010) M.U.S.E., Reproductive Isolation, retrieved from https://campus.ctuonline.edu/courses/SCI203/p2/hub1/hub.html