Week 4

1. It is important to understand the theory of evolution when studying how human beings behave. When discussing evolution, Charles Darwin’s theories on natural selection help to better understand the topic. Natural selection is the idea that an individual species will live amongst predators, defy all the odds against them, and pass these lifesaving adaptations to their offspring. Passing on these traits gives these individual species a competitive edge against others. In the book, “The DNA of Consciousness,” it states that variations in adaptive traits make for the complexities seen in each individual species which leads to a better survival rate (Diem-Lane, pg.5). For instance, the fact that I am alive today is evidence that my ancestor’s adaptive mutations were passed down through my DNA and has led to my very existence. This suggests that I have adapted to survive in my present environment. However, the most critical adaptation seen in Homo sapiens is the complex physical structures of the human brain. Our brain has developed a “self-conscious awareness” that allows human beings to play out dangerous scenarios in our thoughts without risking the reality of consequences if made to act in real life. This is what makes humans different from other species that do not have this same self-conscious awareness. This suggests that our brains play a big role in human behavior versus species who have not adapted this thought process. If this adaptation was passed along with our ancestors DNA, then Homo sapiens have developed a “virtual navigating device” which increases the chances of making life saving choices (Diem-Lane, pg. 22). Also, the brain has the ability to react to incoming stimuli and use instinctive senses to respond accordingly which is beneficial in dangerous situations. The fact that some people worry may be contribution of our ancestors. For example, if our ancestors lived in the jungles, they would likely be startled about a rustling bush because there could potentially be a vicious jaguar waiting to pounce on an unexpected meal. This self-conscious instinct may cause an individual to become paranoid over a rustling bush and cause them to hid or run away which could lead to the survival of that individual if it were indeed a vicious predator hiding within it. The brain is constantly making predictions and reevaluating the situations as they arise.
2. It is difficult for me to believe that evolutionary theory cannot explain various answers to questions such as how, why, and what we are. Even though, I have a religious upbringing, my education has led me to question long time beliefs. I believe the theory of evolution does explain adaptations of various species especially the human species. With my education in physics, chemistry, biology, and even astronomy, I find lots of evidence that point to billions of years of adaptations that have made us the variations seen in our world. Furthermore, I find Charles Darwin’s theory on natural selection very influential to my understanding of the theory of evolution. I am struggling to even think of a question that cannot be explained by evolutionary theory. Species change constantly dependent on their environment hence causing the variation seen in everyday life. It is important to question everything in general. The biggest question evolution cannot always answer would be "Why?"