Without Competition, Island Frogs Evolve Rapidly
Summary
Scientists have recently recorded and researched the evolutionary development of a new fanged frog species which resides on the island of Sulawesi, near the Philippines. The research crew discovered 13 different species of fanged frog that differ in size, nurturing of the young and the degree of feet webbing – all of which are developed according to their habitat. The researchers were surprised to find such diversity on this smaller island when compared to the larger Philippine archipelago, but can sum it down to competition. Since these new fanged frogs never had to complete, they were free to explore new habitats, in which they settled down and slowly adapted to. This example of adaptive radiation strongly supports what Charles Darwin noted in the Galapagos finches.
Response
This article is just one of many cases of evidence which strongly support Charles Darwin’s theories. The fact that these fanged frogs moved into different ecological niches and were able to adapt is a prime example of natural selection. I agree with the reasoning given by the scientists as to why there was such diversity on the island because it’s fairly obvious; less competition gives one species more freedom to move around, explore and inhabit an island as to their own needs. When the fanged frogs found somewhere to reside, they slowly began to evolve which would enable them to more easily live in their habitat and, in the long run, ensure the survival of the species. This evidence impacts me as a student because there is clearly a lot of controversy surrounding the theory of evolution (creationism vs. evolution), but every individually studied case of evolution (Darwin’s finches, fanged frogs, etc) goes towards strengthening and supporting the theory that is globally accepted and taught in educational facilities. The only next step I can think of is to continue researching cases like these to support evolution as much as possible.
Source - MLA Format
Herman, Michael. "Scientist finds rapidly adapting fanged frogs."Phys.Org - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 June 2012. <http://phys.org/news/2011-08-scientist-rapidly-fanged-frogs.html>.
Scientists have recently recorded and researched the evolutionary development of a new fanged frog species which resides on the island of Sulawesi, near the Philippines. The research crew discovered 13 different species of fanged frog that differ in size, nurturing of the young and the degree of feet webbing – all of which are developed according to their habitat. The researchers were surprised to find such diversity on this smaller island when compared to the larger Philippine archipelago, but can sum it down to competition. Since these new fanged frogs never had to complete, they were free to explore new habitats, in which they settled down and slowly adapted to. This example of adaptive radiation strongly supports what Charles Darwin noted in the Galapagos finches.
Response
This article is just one of many cases of evidence which strongly support Charles Darwin’s theories. The fact that these fanged frogs moved into different ecological niches and were able to adapt is a prime example of natural selection. I agree with the reasoning given by the scientists as to why there was such diversity on the island because it’s fairly obvious; less competition gives one species more freedom to move around, explore and inhabit an island as to their own needs. When the fanged frogs found somewhere to reside, they slowly began to evolve which would enable them to more easily live in their habitat and, in the long run, ensure the survival of the species. This evidence impacts me as a student because there is clearly a lot of controversy surrounding the theory of evolution (creationism vs. evolution), but every individually studied case of evolution (Darwin’s finches, fanged frogs, etc) goes towards strengthening and supporting the theory that is globally accepted and taught in educational facilities. The only next step I can think of is to continue researching cases like these to support evolution as much as possible.
Source - MLA Format
Herman, Michael. "Scientist finds rapidly adapting fanged frogs."Phys.Org - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 June 2012. <http://phys.org/news/2011-08-scientist-rapidly-fanged-frogs.html>.