Evolution
Evolution is a change over time in allele frequency among organisms. In order for this to happen, there are three ways that allele frequency: mutation, genetic drift, migration, and natural selection.
Mutations are the only way that new alleles are created through a change in a codon. This change leads to a change in the amino acid sequence, which causes a change in the protein, and ultimately a change in the allele. Mutations may or may not affect reproductive success. However, in order for a mutation to lead to evolution, it must be heritable. Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequency through occurrences like the founder effect, when a group of species with one allele move to a new area, and population bottleneck, when a natural disaster kills certain alleles. Migration, also known as gene flow, is when a group of individuals moves from one population to another, and the migrant alleles change the allele frequency in both the old and new populations. Natural selection is when the organisms with alleles that enable it to survive in the environment survive and reproduce, causing that allele to be dominant. There are three types of natural selection. Stabilizing selection is when the environment supports the medium trait (for example, animals with medium sized wings), directional selection is when the environment supports one extreme (for example, animals with a lot of fur), and disruptive selection is when the environment supports both extremes (for example, animals that either have long or short legs).
Even though evolution is a theory that refutes creationism, there is a lot of evidence to prove it occurs. Fossil record is one piece of evidence. Fossils are the preserved remains of organisms that are extinct found inside of rock. With fossils, we can see how organisms have changed over time. Embryology is another piece of evidence, and shows that species have a common ancestor because their embryos are very similar. Molecular Biology also shows that species have a common ancestor when percentages of their DNA are the same.
Mutations are the only way that new alleles are created through a change in a codon. This change leads to a change in the amino acid sequence, which causes a change in the protein, and ultimately a change in the allele. Mutations may or may not affect reproductive success. However, in order for a mutation to lead to evolution, it must be heritable. Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequency through occurrences like the founder effect, when a group of species with one allele move to a new area, and population bottleneck, when a natural disaster kills certain alleles. Migration, also known as gene flow, is when a group of individuals moves from one population to another, and the migrant alleles change the allele frequency in both the old and new populations. Natural selection is when the organisms with alleles that enable it to survive in the environment survive and reproduce, causing that allele to be dominant. There are three types of natural selection. Stabilizing selection is when the environment supports the medium trait (for example, animals with medium sized wings), directional selection is when the environment supports one extreme (for example, animals with a lot of fur), and disruptive selection is when the environment supports both extremes (for example, animals that either have long or short legs).
Even though evolution is a theory that refutes creationism, there is a lot of evidence to prove it occurs. Fossil record is one piece of evidence. Fossils are the preserved remains of organisms that are extinct found inside of rock. With fossils, we can see how organisms have changed over time. Embryology is another piece of evidence, and shows that species have a common ancestor because their embryos are very similar. Molecular Biology also shows that species have a common ancestor when percentages of their DNA are the same.
Evolution of the Mantis Shrimp
The mantis shrimp has developed various adaptations in its environment, such as:
The lineage of a mantis shrimp can be traced back about five hundred million years. Mantis shrimp, as well as their ancient fossils found, are classified as Unipeltata. The original fossilized mantis shrimp are classified into to groups: Palaeostomatopoda and Archaeostomatopodea, which are believed to share a common ancestor. Palaeostomatopoda are described as having stalked eyes, two segments in its head that move, a carapace that covers the entire thorax, thoracic legs without pincers, and second thoracic legs without pincers [1]. Archaeostomatodpea, on the other hand, are described has having a large and flat plate attached to its antenna extending from the back, a short appendage on the thorax, fork-shaped limbs used to swim, and a rectangular-shaped telson that tapers to a spike [2].
- some mantis shrimp have clubs used to smash open the shells of its prey at the speed of a .22 caliber bullet
- some have sharp appendages used to spear fish
- They have 16 photo receptors,which enables them to see more colors and to see predators and prey more clearly
- They use different neon patterns on their exterior to communicate among themselves and other animals
- Like all arthropods, they have a hard exoskeleton used to protect and support themselves
The lineage of a mantis shrimp can be traced back about five hundred million years. Mantis shrimp, as well as their ancient fossils found, are classified as Unipeltata. The original fossilized mantis shrimp are classified into to groups: Palaeostomatopoda and Archaeostomatopodea, which are believed to share a common ancestor. Palaeostomatopoda are described as having stalked eyes, two segments in its head that move, a carapace that covers the entire thorax, thoracic legs without pincers, and second thoracic legs without pincers [1]. Archaeostomatodpea, on the other hand, are described has having a large and flat plate attached to its antenna extending from the back, a short appendage on the thorax, fork-shaped limbs used to swim, and a rectangular-shaped telson that tapers to a spike [2].