Elizabeth Duque

Biology Lab Extra Credit

11 December 2012

Charles Darwin established his theory of evolution in 1859. Ever since he established his theory, he impacted the world and our perspective of evolution. Yet, in the 1930′s through the 1950′s the modern evolutionary synthesis developed and redefined Darwin’s theory. But, now scientist are believing that its to abrupt or too “quick,” therefore they began to focus on the paradigm shift.

In “Darwin Still Rules, but Some Biologists Dream of a Paradigm Shift” by Douglas H. Erwin, he gives us a further explanation of how evolutionary biologist tend to revised the Charles Darwin theory and expand it towards the paradigm shift. Paradigm shift is when a significant change occurs. For instance, from one fundamental view to another different point of view. Yet, before the paradigm shift, the modern evolutionary synthesis was introduced first.

The modern evolutionary synthesis; defines evolution as the change over time in this genetic variation and takes into account all branches of biology. According to Douglas, he stated that the modern evolutionary synthesis was created because many biologist disagreed with the Darwinism and therefore they made a new concept which was the modern evolutionary synthesis. Up to this date, it has been constantly used.

The synthesis has been useful, it can hold mutations to DNA, within the species it creates new alternatives of existing genes. As a result it will allow only the best adapted individuals to produce many remaining offsprings. That being the case, this is the primary agent in shaping new adaptations, and Charles Darwin acknowledged that this was a powerful tool.

Philosopher Ron Amundson, claims that the modern synthesis deals with the transmission of gene from one generation to the next.  Also the most recent discoveries in the new field of evolutionary developmental biology, is the gene Pax-6, and its able to control the formation of the eyes in mice and humans.  Another new significant discovery is the Nkx2.5 heart formation and the formation of the nervous system. This contributes with examining the genetic and developmental mechanisms influencing how the form of organisms develop.

The evolutionary theory follows up the study of fruit flies, whom they are in the laboratory capture and therefore they bring the evolutionary change. Hence, evolution itself can be able to change the future evolutionary possibilities.

In conclusion,  Charles Darwin evolution theory has played a big role for our society, humanity, education and world. Yet, many scientist tend to doubt it or revise it. Therefore, modern evolutionary synthesis became established and up to this date it has been quite useful. But scientist tend to move on with the paradigm shift and be part of it as well. In the article, “Darwin Still Rules, but Some Biologist Dream of Paradigm Shift,” it focuses on how scientist are developing the paradigm shift. Unfornately, it will take time until we see new tensions accommodated within an expanded modern synthesis according to Douglas H. Erwin.

Works Cited

Erwin H. Douglass. “ Darwin Still Rules, but Some Biologist Dream of Paradigm Shift.”  The New York Times.  The New York Times Company. 26 June 2007. Web. 12 Dec 2012.