However the unreliability of the results makes the claim an ongoing discussion and an open debate. The theory of evolution, first proposed by Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882) implies that all species are derived from common ancestors through natural selection (Phoenix, 2007 p.118-121). Natural selection is thought to be the main factor resulting in the diversity of species: it has been defined as a natural process, whereby only the variants best adapted to their environment develop the ability of a longer survival and pass on the best characteristics to future generations. Natural selection in species leads to 'adaptation' which is a change in behaviour as a consequence of surrounding modification. Within humans many adaptations have happened through Darwin’s theory of natural selection, one of these adaptations is called Theory of Mind.
In order to discuss this topic, it briefly explains how new technologies have improved our understanding on evolutionary theories and how language is defined. The second part deals with main question. It will assess three key models of evolution in order to access whether evolution theories can explain human language or whether some evolution theories have to be excluded. Firstly, it evaluates language as a product of adaptation; secondly, as a by-product; and lastly, as a product of random effects. Evidence will be presented to illustrate the strength of each theory.
Firstly the Comparative method different species of animal can be studied and compared. Secondly physiology “how the nervous system and hormones work, how the brain functions, how changes in structure or function can affect behaviour” (McLeod, S. 2007). Thirdly Investigation of inheritance, what an animal inherits from its parents, mechanisms of inheritance (genetics). For example one might want to know whether high intelligence is inherited from one generation to the next. Biological brought scientist like James Olds, with the help of Hess's technique for probing the brain and Skinner's for measuring motivation, have a series of experiments.
Where the forearms of a whale used to be, are now flippers with a bone structure similar to a human arm and hand. Those are some vestigial structures of a killer whale. Evolutionary Relationships There are many species that are closely related to a killer whale. I am going to compare a killer whale to three different species which are a dolphin, a great white shark and a porpoises. A killer whale is like a dolphin in many ways.
Darwin’s evolutionary theory is made up of four forces which are mutation, gene flow, gene drift, and finally natural selection. In the example of the Grant’s finches, the founder effect, a.k.a. genetic drift, is clearly described in the Natural Selection in Action: Galapagos Finches handout when it said, “This small founder population to survived and reproduced, and through genetic drift and natural selection accumulated sufficient variations over time to establish a variety of new species.” It is important to understand that the process of natural selection is closely linked to the environment a particular species inhabits. In the case of the Grant’s finches, there was described to be fourteen species of Galapagos finches, which evolved from a common ancestor. The Galapagos finches is a prime example of adaptive radiation because the Grant’s study displayed how the shapes of the finches beaks varied in order to best equip them for the differing habitats and diets they had.
Nature vs. Nurture Controversy Megan Balzarini Psychology 230 Nature vs. Nurture Controversy How might one approach the nature-nurture controversy? What is more important in human development: heredity or environmental factors? Nature can be defined as inborn biological givens that are based on genetic inheritance; and nurture is considered to be the physical and social world that influences biological and psychological development. So, is one predetermined by genetic components to become who they are, or does circumstance and environmental factors make them who they are? In other words, what influences human development more, inheritance, or experience?
Nature Versus Nurture Defined Nature versus nurture is a debate between scientists and researchers about which is the most influential in human development: nature or nurture? Nature is defined as the genetic inheritance of an individual. Nurture is defined as the environmental experiences, both biological and social) that an individual experiences during his or her life-span. Some people believe that nature is the most influential on development whereas others believe nurture is the most influential (Santrock, 2010). Those who favor the nature side believe that an individual grows in a chronological order that is affected by evolution and genetics.
This study can be explained by the evolution of behaviour. The evolution of behaviour was originally founded by Darwin in 1859, this is the theory that all things have evolved over time from their ancestors through the natural selection process. Natural selection tells us that the strongest genes survive and are then passed onto the next generation whilst weaker genes eventually die out. Scientific evidence was provided to show that either species had adapted to their environment and therefore survive or become maladaptive and
Darwinism and Natural Selection, this is a more difficult topic to defend, because these people or beings have to be created in order to survive by adaptation. Since evolution is simply the change in population based on the surroundings and changing lifestyles in order to stay alive, this could very well be a credible argument to follow. Success in evolution can lead into new varieties and new species, on the other hand, failure may lead to extinction of the certain species. There are four main points of evidence when it comes to evolution. The change in fossil record in earlier species.
Over long periods of time variations in a species occur in a population, so the later generations are distinct from ancestral ones. In this time a new species may appear. Geographic location and selective pressures also contribute to the formation of a new species. If there is a natural barrier, (mountains, oceans etc) species will begin to adapt to the different environments, thus causing basically a new species such as the Galapagos finches. An important thing to emphasize is that natural selection is the individual while evolution is the population.