1. I find the concepts studied in evo-devo to be both interesting and important, particularly research into the commonality of species origin and the study of environmental stimulus on gene expression. Understanding our close relationship/kinship with fellow animals is a worthy pursuit, especially if this understanding leads to increased respect for the lives of the animals we eat or for wild animals' habitats. However, as was mentioned in class, this respect and understanding for other animals can be found in other cultures without this research, so perhaps we could and should try to get in touch with the commonality of life, with or without genomes. I am also particularly interested in the idea of gene expression through environmental stimulus because of how it could effect our understanding of embryonic development. It could it change the way we approach pregnancy and prenatal care! Also, how fascinating to think about this as it relates to surrogate pregnancy.
2. Thank you, Darwin! Although Dawinism perhaps does not tell the full story of evolution and species differentiation, I believe that Darwin's work and research have allowed for incredible positive change. To understand that two different looking birds could, in fact, be incredibly close relatives who happened to evolve in different environments is a profoundly important realization in how it informs the way we view other people and other creatures on the planet. Also, as discussed by the article "Why Darwinism Matters", the ways that Darwinism has allowed us to move away from the idea of a universal Truth is a great step towards universal inclusivity and understanding. Yay! The argument in Answers in Genesis is true, that evolution has been used to justify racism... but, excuse me, so has religion?
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