Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780133923001
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: PEARSON
expand_more
expand_more
format_list_bulleted
Concept explainers
Textbook Question
Chapter 15.4, Problem 1CSR
CONSIDER THIS Some advocates of the view that all organisms were created simultaneously by God argue that vestigial structures do not constitute evidence of evolution, because they show only that a divinely created structure can degenerate over time. According to this view, human tailbones are not evidence of evolution because they do not show that an adaptive improvement has occurred. Is this a valid argument?
Expert Solution & Answer
Want to see the full answer?
Check out a sample textbook solutionStudents have asked these similar questions
You have seen many examples of how form fits function at all levels of the biological hierarchy. However, we can imagine forms that would function better than some forms actually found in nature. For example, if the wings of a bird were not formed from its forelimbs, such a hypothetical bird could fly yet also hold objects with its forelimbs. Describe the concept of “evolution as tinkering” to explain why there are limits to the functionality of forms in nature.
While the French biologist LaMarck was correct in proposing that evolution does occur, he believed that the long necks of giraffes evolved as generations of giraffes reached for ever higher leaves on the trees. Using these observations, LaMarck proposed the theory that evolution occurs due to the inheritance of characteristics acquired during an organism’s lifetime. From what you know about the scientific method, why is this incorrect?
In many ways, modern human lifestyles are at odds with our bipedal locomotion. At no point in history have humans been as inactive as today (especially in developing nations), which has led to a number of physical ailments, such as obesity, loss of mobility, and low back pain. What are some other impacts of evolution on our species? What are some ways we can alleviate these problems? You should include any recommended study tips, review videos, or other materials.
Chapter 15 Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
Ch. 15.1 - identify some of the thinkers whose ideas set the...Ch. 15.1 - Prob. 2CYLCh. 15.1 - define evolution?Ch. 15.2 - A recent study found that Galpagos mockingbirds on...Ch. 15.2 - Prob. 2TCCh. 15.2 - explain how natural selection works and how it...Ch. 15.2 - describe the logic, based on four postulates, by...Ch. 15.3 - The fossil history of some kinds of modem...Ch. 15.3 - What Good Are Wisdom Teeth and Ostrich Wings?...Ch. 15.3 - Are a peacocks tail and a dogs tail homologous...
Ch. 15.3 - Between 70% and 85% of people will experience...Ch. 15.3 - describe the evidence that evolution has occurred?Ch. 15.3 - explain the difference between similarity due to...Ch. 15.3 - What Good Are Wisdom Teeth and Ostrich Wings? Just...Ch. 15.4 - To reduce the incidence of pesticide resistance,...Ch. 15.4 - describe some observations and experiments that...Ch. 15.4 - CONSIDER THIS Some advocates of the view that all...Ch. 15.4 - Some advocates of the view that all organisms were...Ch. 15 - Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones...Ch. 15 - Darwin was influenced by Malthuss thinking about...Ch. 15 - Prob. 3MCCh. 15 - Which of the following is not required for...Ch. 15 - Prob. 5MCCh. 15 - The flipper of a seal is homologous with the _____...Ch. 15 - Prob. 2FIBCh. 15 - Georges Cuvier espoused a concept called ______ to...Ch. 15 - Prob. 4FIBCh. 15 - Prob. 5FIBCh. 15 - Darwin's postulate 2 states that ______. The work...Ch. 15 - Prob. 1RQCh. 15 - Distinguish between catastrophism and...Ch. 15 - Describe Lamarcks theory of inheritance of...Ch. 15 - What is natural selection? Describe how natural...Ch. 15 - Describe how evolution occurs. In your...Ch. 15 - What is convergent evolution? Give an example.Ch. 15 - How do biochemistry and molecular genetics...Ch. 15 - In what sense are humans currently acting as...Ch. 15 - In discussions of untapped human potential, It is...Ch. 15 - Does evolution through natural selection produce...
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Similar questions
- Which of the following statements is NOT true about evolution? Group of answer choices A-Evolution has been supported by a mounting body of genetic evidence B-Humans share a recent common ancestor with other primates C-The main principle of the theory of evolution is the simple fact that humans evolved from monkeys D-The theory of evolution has been tested and subjected to verification through accumulated evidence (and has not been disproved) E-Evolution can be studied at the microevolutionary or macroevolutionary levelarrow_forwardWRITE ABOUT A THEME: Organization You have seenmany examples of how form fits function at all levels of thebiological hierarchy. However, we can imagine forms thatwould function better than some forms actually found innature. For example, if the wings of a bird were not formedfrom its forelimbs, such a hypothetical bird could fly yet alsohold objects with its forelimbs. In a short essay (100–150words), use the concept of “evolution as tinkering” to explainwhy there are limits to the functionality of forms in nature.arrow_forwardEvolutionary biologists often say that evolution “selects for outcomes” not for the particular genetic changes that lead to that adaptive outcome. Given that perspective, is it surprising that different gene mutations might be involved in the evolution of the same trait (such as light skin or adaptation to living in high mountains)? Why or why not?arrow_forward
- With regard to biological evolution, which of the following statements is incorrect? Explain why.A. During its lifetime, an animal evolves to become better adaptedto its environment.B. The process of biological evolution has produced species thatare better adapted to their environments.C. When an animal is better adapted to its environment, the process of natural selection makes it more likely that the animalwill reproduce.arrow_forwardThe upper forelimbs of humans and bats have fairly similar skeletal structures, whereas the corresponding bones in whales have very different shapes and proportions. However, genetic data suggest that all three kinds of organisms diverged from a common ancestor at about the same time. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these data? Group of answer choices Forelimb evolution was adaptive in people and bats, but not in whales. Natural selection in an aquatic environment resulted in significant changes to whale forelimb anatomy. Humans and bats evolved by natural selection, and whales evolved by Lamarckian mechanisms. Genes mutate faster in whales than in humans or bats.arrow_forwardA skeptic of evolution asks the following question – “If humans evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?” Use your understanding of primate evolution to explain to this individual why their view of primate evolution is skewed. Reference examples.arrow_forward
- Intelligent design is the theory that life is too complex to have evolved randomly. The eye is often cited as an example, arguing that its complexity argues for the presence of a creator guiding its development. What use is half an eye or a partial wing? It is a popular idea because it does not deny the observable fact of evolution, while leaving room for the presence of God. Is intelligent design a viable scientific theory? Why or why not?arrow_forwardDarwin's concept of evolution "the theory of decent with modification through variation and natural selection" can best be demonstrated by which of the following examples? a. A giraffe stretches his neck to reach higher branches. The exercise of stretching up strengthens the muscles in the giraffe's neck and legs. This ability to stretch is also seen in the giraffe's offspring. b. A monkey accidentally drops her fruit in the salty water of a bay. She recovers the fruit and eats it. She discovers the fruit is cleaner and tastes better after it has been in the salty water. She continues to wash the fruit in the bay before eating it. Her offspring see what she has done and also wash their fruit in the salty water. Soon, the whole population of monkeys is washing their fruit. c. Several turtles hatch from a clutch of eggs buried in the sand on a beach. One of the turtles is the color of the sand; the others are darker in color. The turtles scurry toward the water,…arrow_forwardGive a Darwinian explanation of how cheetahs evolved to become faster. Your explanation is how natural selection works using Cheetahs as an example. Be sure to include andexplain the ideas of differential reproductive success and descent with modification. (You do not need to mention the formation of new species.)arrow_forward
- Lamarck proposed that evolution occurs through the following basic steps: Organisms are born with certain traits. Over the course of an organism's life, these traits gradually change due to pressures in the environment. The changes that occurred during an organism's life are passed on to its young. This idea is similar to current understandings of how evolution works, but it is not quite correct. Which of the following situations is a counterexample that disproves Lamarck's proposed pattern of how evolution occurs? A. Even though the ability to fly would be useful to snakes, snakes cannot spontaneously grow wings. B. Dolphins and whales have become hairless because the fast movement of the water removes all the hair. C. A person who is a championship bodybuilder does not have children who are naturally muscular at birth.arrow_forwardThe concept of evolution has always been connected with some notion of progress–natural selection pushing populations toward better and better adaptations to create "perfect organisms." How would you argue that evolution does not craft perfect organisms?arrow_forwardMany crustaceans (for example, lobsters, shrimps, and crayfish) use their tails to swim, but crabs have reduced tails that curl under their shells and are not used in swimming. This condition is an example of what evidence of evolution? * Homologous structure Convergent evolution No answer Vestigial trait Natural selectionarrow_forward
arrow_back_ios
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
arrow_forward_ios
Recommended textbooks for you
- Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningHuman Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
The Evolution of Populations: Natural Selection, Genetic Drift, and Gene Flow; Author: Professor Dave Explains;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRWXEMlI0_U;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
The Evolution of Humans | Evolution | Biology | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf_dDp7drFg;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY