"Why Evolution is True": a reflection and analysis

Why Evolution is True Reflection 

Why Evolution is True is a book by Jerry Coyne which is interesting to read. I had a lot of curiosity and questions before starting to read through the books. The ability of Mr. Coyne to use his knowledge and expertise forces the reader to have a second thought about all the information presented to support the theory of evolution. Reading through the book made me realize that everyone has their version and belief of change. Some believe that humans evolved from apes, such as Jerry Coney and Darwin and others that support the creation story. The explosion that Mr. Coney provides in the book makes me believe on the former that evolution exists and it is accurate. There is the use of scientific evidence in the book to support all the claims made. At the start, I believed in the creation theory, but in the end, I was convinced that humans might have evolved from apes.  

Chapter 1: What is Evolution? 

Mr. Coyne expresses his stance on the issue of evolution. He makes his position know in the first chapter of the book. He suggests that change matters because it is a part of science. He believes in the theory of evolution, just like Darwin. The assumption being made is that humans originated from apes. The creation of evolutionary biology has been effective in explaining the existence of humans (Coyne, 2009). While reading through the first chapter, several questions were going through my mind. I was so much into knowing why humans do exists and where did we come from. Stories are being told of the existence of humans even while I was still young. But reading through the first chapter made me develop the urge of wanting to know more. I agree with Mr. Coyne that we originate from a single ancestor, mainly because of our similarities in some features. The information presented by Mr. Coyne in the first chapter is persuasive enough to believe in the theory of evolution as the origin of humankind. But it still fails to understand how humans originated from primitive creatures and ended up being one of the cleverest species in the modern world. Mr. Coney would have presented more concrete evidence in the chapter to convince that humans originated from apes. There is more in evolution than just similarity in body structures and other features.    

Chapter 2: Written in the Rocks 

The second chapter's title provides an overview of what is written in the fossil about evolution and the inability or provides enough evidence on the existence of change. Mr. Coyne is sure to the extent that all fossils are in support of the theory of evolution and that humans were not created. Despite the discovery of only one percent of all the species in the world, the information that has been presented is enough to support the theory of evolution. The view of creation is misleading. The given argument is that there are no transformational forms between organisms that might have resulted in life diversity (Coyne, 2009). Mr. Coyne opposes the idea by suggesting that transitional arrangements can always be located in different animal species. Ida is the fossil that fills the gap of the missing link in the transitional forms present in species while elaborating on the theory of evolution. Ida creates the needed connection between the various animal species. For example, fossils have been known to present evidence of the development of amphibians from fish or the birds from the dinosaurs. The use of wings is an adaptive feature that can be explained in the Darwin theory of evolution. Information and evidence presented in the second chapter of the book made me conclude that Mr. Coyne supports Darwin's theory of evolution.     

Chapter 3: Remnants: Vestiges, Embryos, and Bad Design 

Vestiges are traits that a particular species of animal steam from their ancestors and have not used. The features are vestigial because they are no longer perform the intended function due to evolution. However, there is the reappearance of some of the characteristics from the ancestors, such as the human tail, that is being considered an atavism (Coyne, 2009). Other features include the appendix, spaces between the fallopian tube and the ovary. Such features in the human body can only be explained by evolution. Reading through the chapter made me realize that atavism in humans is proof of common ancestry. It shows that all humans originated from a single point. In addition, it indicates some of the works of development in features and traits that might have a purpose or not in some instances. When a single species evolves into another, the descendants can inherit some of the characteristics from their ancestors (Coyne, 2009). These genes are the ones that are responsible for the genetic makeup. The idea of combining new and old provides a clear elaboration of the developmental changes that are taking place in various organisms.   

Chapter 4: The Geography of Life 

There is the presentation of biogeographic evidence in the chapter and the convergent evolution narrative. Coyne makes the readers believe that all organisms originated from a single place and migrated to different destinations. No creationists can provide narration and evidence as to why animals are of a similar form yet are found in other geographical locations. For instance, there are giraffes in African, and the same species can still be found in North America. My intention of reading through the chapter was to establish why such a variation exists despite the divergent and convergent theory of evolution. But reading through Darwin's invention of continental drift and molecular taxonomy provided me with insight into what the convergent and divergent theory still holds (Coyne, 2009). The design is a validation of the findings of Coyne. Different countries were once a section of the same continent, giving change for biogeography. Convergent evolution is what narrates the reason for the presence of species in a different environment. Species can evolve with the same variation, making them act and look similar even though they are not related. For instance, consider the Leopard and the Cheetah. They look alike, live in the same environment, but in reality, that is different species. But the two animals have been able to acquire the exact adaptation mechanism that will enable them to survive in their surroundings.     

Chapter 5: The Engine of Evolution 

Selection is a process through which genes that have much better adaptation get better with time. In general, species don't need or try to adapt to their environment. That implies that there is a lack of a reason to evolve. Randomness and lawfulness are the two main entities that constitute evolution. The random feature makes the genetic variation, and the lawful feature ensures that the process occurs naturally (Coyne, 2009). The suitable variants are sustained while the bad traits are eliminated. The theory of natural selection in the chapter provides a good elaboration on how each of the processes occurs. Each of the actions in the evolution process needs to be confer again. Also, the reproductive output needs to increase. Reading through the chapter made me realize that there is a reason why evolution was taking place. It was for the good of every species. Humans were gain features that would make them better service the harsh environment. An adaptation that takes place through natural selection requires individuals to be variable. That implies that the changes need to come from the genes (Coyne, 2009). 

On the other hand, genetic variation calls for the need to affect the probability of a species to leave the offspring. An evolution without natural selection results in a change in the alleles present in the population. When there are random changes in the genetic makeup, there will be e drift over time. I created a connection between the drift and selection and realized the reason why some species undergo mutation. The desires of humans are what make them evolve as the main focus is to feet in the environment. The same natural selection results in death, intending to create a balance in the ecosystem.      

Chapter 6: How Sex Drives Evolution 

Reading through the chapter made me realize the sexual dimorphism is the drive behind evolution. It is used to refer to the distinction in traits between the male and the females. The chapter focuses on how sexual preference can be depicted in two distinct forms, through direct completion taking place among the males to gain the needed access to the females of their own choice (Coyne, 2009). I was able to realize the selection will lead to successful reproduction. Several other questions are being addressed in the sex-driven evolution. For instance, Coyne tries to establish why there is a need to have two sexes. Natural selection has effectively favored a change in the ancestral condition into a state where there is only one sex. The make sex will be responsible for producing the sperms or pollen, and the females will create only a few but large eggs. That implies the irregularity in the size of the gametes that are being produced by both the male and the female (Coyne, 2009). The variation makes the different species evolve in their mating strategies that will be different and unique. Coyne highlight that the evolution in the differences between the male and the females can be considered as an expensive investment towards the eggs and cheap towards the sperms. It is an investment of pregnancy versus an asset on the parental care given to the offspring. I was able to understand why boys need to compete with girls. Another question being addressed in the chapter is why sexual dimorphism exists. The assumption being made is that females need to discriminate against the genes of men. The variation in the evolution is due to the sex drive that makes the male and the female have different characteristics despite the assumption that they both originate from apes.   

Chapter 7: The Origin of Species 

The title of chapter seven gave me an insight so what I should expect while reading through. Mr. Coyne effectively narrates and provides evidence of the origin of humans, and he starts with a letter from E.O, Wilson. He states that each species is a masterpiece of evolution that humans were not able to duplicate, even if we can use technology to create new organisms through genetic engineering. I realize that the information in the letter coincides with the theory presented by Coyne (Coyne, 2009). There are clusters in all organisms that are being used in the recreation of other species. In the isolation of selected groups into various directions, there are challenges with genetics. That implies that the speciation present in biology closely resembles languages that can be depicted in the same ancestors. Reading through the chapter made me realize that biodiversity depends on speciation in biology. A critical prediction that can be made is that speciation can be a part of geographical isolation, presenting several changes in the history of humanity for the population to realize the isolation that took place. I was able to resonate with the information and understand why there are millions of distinct species in our world. A species is described as a group of natural populations that can interbreed and are reproductively unique compared to other groups (Coyne, 2009). A further look at the definition makes me conclude that species are evolutionary societies. I was able to depict that biological species' evolution will continue to occur even if reproductive barriers are creating a good explanation of the origin of various species on the planet.     

Chapter 8: What about Us? 

The Darwinian man might be well behaved but still, be referred to as a monkey that has been shaved. The issue raises a question as to the position that humans hold. Some paleoanthropologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists have been focusing on using DNA sequencing and fossils to determine the status of humans in the tree of evolution. The misplaced position arises from the idea that some humans fail to accept they originated from apes and are related. There is the use of the creationist inability in chapter eight to prove that humans are descendants of apes instead of focusing on any particular evidence. Significant changes have taken place in the East and Central Africa's environment because of evolution, which is estimated to have started taking place seven million years ago. The evidence presented in the chapter made it easy for me to believe in bipedalism. Also, the information made me establish a much better understanding of the question posed by Coyne on what propelled evolution (Coyne, 2009). There is more convincing by the author not to worry so much about the 'how' of human development. However, a much stronger point is for us humans to be sure that we did evolve. There is s a distinction in the anatomy, size of the brain, language is spoken, and configuration in all human beings. The difference is evident even to people that we are closely related. The information made me question why it is not okay that we are different from apes and still evolved from their descendants. Biologists tend to agree that climate and environmental change have something to do with bipedalism. Another question that I had while going through the chapter is that or race. The majority of biologists tend to leave the subject of race while describing their evolution theories. There is a common ground argument that since modern biology, classification based on race is parallel to racial prejudice.     

Chapter 9: Summary of Evolution Redux 

Evolution is one of the things that several people question. Individuals question change either because of their religious beliefs or do not buy into the idea that they originated from apes. Mr. Coyne, in chapter nine, states that "the evidence of evolution is convincing but people are still not convinced (Coyne, 2009)." With all the evidence presented on evolution, still, there are going to be some non-believers. The book raises the question as to why people have an issue with believing in evolution. The biggest problem being identified is that people don't want to accept they are descendants of apes. No matter the fact the surrounds the issue, I have learned that many people will still not believe in evolution (Coyne, 2009). The problem is not a lack of evidence. That is because change is one of the topics that have been researched for several years. The data that has been collected is based on facts, and it is sufficient evidence to make people believe in evolution. The focus of the chapter has been on how psychologists, biologists, and philosophers take advantage of Darwin through the process in all the aspects of human behavior and make it a scientific parlor game. I understood how an individual could state how something happened because it is an idea that they have in their mind. It is possible that most of the time, pictures and stories of evolution are being narrated by individuals who have seen the creatures. However, going through the chapter made me realize that is not the case because the story of evolution has been passed down from one generation to another (Coyne, 2009). It is not possible to say that the level of development cannot result in a groundbreaking discovery despite some of the presented arguments not being scientific. I have narrowed down the story of evolution to a woman who had children and nurtured them as hunters and gatherers. Maybe that is why some men have the alpha attitude, and it is possible to establish a connection with the struts birds that can attract their mate. From the chapter, I concluded that evolution is impressive despite the nature of perception.   

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Jerry Coyne has gathered enough evidence in the book  Why evolution is true.  He provides ideas from areas of study that are distinct in support of the argument as to why change is actual. How the information in the book is presented creates ease of transition from one chapter to another. That makes the ideas delivered challenging to argue. The readers are provided with evidence as to why it is challenging to go against the main aims of modern evolution theory. There will always be a controversy surrounding the current view of evolution. The majority of individuals oppose expansion even after presenting sufficient evidence that it is the case in Coyne's book. The development is controversial, and it does not support the substantial evidence that Coyne has given. The evolutionary story that has been narrated makes the argument convincing and compelling in support of science. Mr. Coyne does not urge the audience to trust his claims and knowledge on evolution. Instead, he presents a shred of insurmountable evidence as to why he believes evolution is true. My personal opinion is that the class has provided me with a distinct perception of the existence of life and how it came to be. Therefore, I intend to explore another course in the same area to understand evolution better.   

References 

Coyne, J. (2009). Why Evolution is true . New York, NY: Penguin Group. Print.