Biology Everywhere by Melanie Peffer

Author:Melanie Peffer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MKPEF4
Published: 2020-12-28T00:00:00+00:00

Figure 10. Species Survival Plan signage at the Denver Zoo.

The reason animals are often moved around the country, or even the world, is to facilitate breeding as part of an SSP. This isn’t always the case, though, since animals in zoos can come in from illegal pet trade, and without knowing about the genetic history of the animal, it is typically considered better to sterilize the animals rather than allow them to breed.

SUMMARY

Evolution is the patterns we see over time, and natural selection is the biological process that is responsible for speciation, or the generation of new species, and explains the wide diversity that is on Earth. Evolution occurs because random genetic mutations lead to changes in our DNA that are heritable, meaning genes can be passed down to our offspring. Said otherwise, evolution, or more specifically natural selection, is descent with modification. We see new phenotypes, or visible traits, appear because they provide some kind of advantage that eventually lead to increased reproduction. Evolution is an ongoing process, and there is never a “perfect” final result. Instead, we see organisms that are the best genetic fit for a certain place and time. Evolution is responsible for the incredible biodiversity on Earth that surrounds us. We can witness it in our own backyards or in one of the biodiversity hotspots around the planet. Biodiversity is a significant asset to humankind, and the loss of biodiversity has the potential to significantly negatively impact many species, including us. Biodiversity can be recovered, provided efforts are made in time. All life on the earth is connected to one another. Ecology is the study of the interconnectedness of life on the earth and the subject of the next chapter.

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