Monday, October 18, 2010

Evolution: look what we can do

File:IPod classic.png
Generation 6
File:Ipod 1G.png
Generation 1
On October 23, 2001, Apple Computers publicly announced the development of a portable music digital player, the iPod. First generation, with a mechanical scroll wheel and 10 GB capacity. This was a hot new item, a sleek new mp3. Soon, a second generation ipod followed, allowing for 20 GB of memory, with a touch-sensitive wheel. Fourth and Fifth generation ipods emerged, ending with the final Sixth generation of the classic ipod on September 5, 2007, capable of storing 160 GB, audio, video, and photo capacity! Soon emerged smaller versions of the ipod nano, ipod shuffle, and ipod mini. The latest version is the ipod touch, and even the iphone, capable of video recording, retina display, camera, 64 GB, and touch screen.File:IPod touch 4G.pngThe ipod touch is more convenient, cool, and desirable. Way more are produced than the original 10 GB generation 1 ipod classic. It has taken over. (ipod history)
The ipod is a prime example of modern day evolution, or the change in traits of a population over time. Evolution must consist of descent with modification, a change within lineage. Like the ipod becoming faster, containing larger memory, and more convenient, species evolve over time.
So why do species evolve? Charles Darwin provides insights which are studied today in his Origin of Species


Populations are not perfect. There are random mutations. Mating is chosen. These points will result in progeny that is better suited and equipped for survival. 


Notice the beak of the cactus finch. In order to obtain food and water, this finch must be able to navigate the spines on the cactus. The short, stubby beaked birds will not be able to feed and will not survive. Thus, species evolve, each best suited to it's natural environment. This principle of survival caries into our daily lives. Why do girls put make-up on? Why are computers getting faster? Where did our big corn or juicy apples and tomatoes come from? Why is there calcium infused in our orange juices? What is a prius? Isn't everything evolving?

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1 comment:

  1. Mike LemonOctober 19, 2010 at 7:32 AM

    Great observation! I am not good at science, but when you put evolution in terms of consumerism, I understand. Your questions at the end do prove a point about humans; we feel a need to survive. However, I wonder if we take it too far? I wonder if we need calcium in our orange juice, or do we need to reorganize our diet? Is Frankenfish the answer?

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