Thoth
Sentinel
- Joined
- January 17, 2009
- Messages
- 354
Hello all. I had some questions about evolution and was hoping someone here could answer them. First off, I know this can be a sensitive topic, but I'm asking these questions out of curiosity. I'm pretty sure I understand the basics of evolution, but I must admit, my school was a bit lacking since I was placed in a basic biology class. Apparently I was too distracting for the "smart" kids so I was placed with the other delinquents thanks public school system! Anyways, on to the questions:
I'm not sure I understand exactly what causes certain species to adapt rather unique traits. Such as some of the albino shrimp, crayfish, and fish found in certain subterranean rivers and lakes. What exactly causes them to "change" this color? Was it truly a situation where a whole load of them lived in this cave, with only the mutant albino ones surviving? Why would they survive though? What exactly is gained from albinism other then the fact that pigmentation is not needed in a dark environment? What exactly caused this to occur and was it gradual, meaning did the pigmentation slowly recede until it reached its current state? Why would this happen? Do scientists know why organs that are not needed, simply recede until gone?
I suppose the same question applies to why certain animals have diminutive eyes. Or, with us the question of the appendix. Is it being somehow phased out seeing as how it apparently causes more harm then good in many people? Apparently, it once helped filter bacteria, which would make sense for early humans that would have eaten dirty or raw food. What exactly causes such an organ to slowly lose its use? Simply because it's not used anymore?
My final question is this: If a group of humans, let's say 50 males and 50 females, all unrelated, were to enter a large cave system with an abundance of food: Let's say some sort of fungi and small animals or something. Let's also say that the danger of falling into chasms and other such environmental hazards are minimal and that the population would avoid population bottlenecks and incest thus ensuring their survival. Can we predict what would eventually happen to these people? Would their pigmentation fade? Would their vision get weaker as well? Again, what drives this? It would seem as though one could have good vision even though it is dark. Why would it fade away?
Anyways, that's all for now. Thanks in advance to any responses!
I'm not sure I understand exactly what causes certain species to adapt rather unique traits. Such as some of the albino shrimp, crayfish, and fish found in certain subterranean rivers and lakes. What exactly causes them to "change" this color? Was it truly a situation where a whole load of them lived in this cave, with only the mutant albino ones surviving? Why would they survive though? What exactly is gained from albinism other then the fact that pigmentation is not needed in a dark environment? What exactly caused this to occur and was it gradual, meaning did the pigmentation slowly recede until it reached its current state? Why would this happen? Do scientists know why organs that are not needed, simply recede until gone?
I suppose the same question applies to why certain animals have diminutive eyes. Or, with us the question of the appendix. Is it being somehow phased out seeing as how it apparently causes more harm then good in many people? Apparently, it once helped filter bacteria, which would make sense for early humans that would have eaten dirty or raw food. What exactly causes such an organ to slowly lose its use? Simply because it's not used anymore?
My final question is this: If a group of humans, let's say 50 males and 50 females, all unrelated, were to enter a large cave system with an abundance of food: Let's say some sort of fungi and small animals or something. Let's also say that the danger of falling into chasms and other such environmental hazards are minimal and that the population would avoid population bottlenecks and incest thus ensuring their survival. Can we predict what would eventually happen to these people? Would their pigmentation fade? Would their vision get weaker as well? Again, what drives this? It would seem as though one could have good vision even though it is dark. Why would it fade away?
Anyways, that's all for now. Thanks in advance to any responses!
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2009
- Messages
- 354