Anthropological Queries

The following is a breakdown of an example of a homologous trait: Species chosen: Venus Flytrap, Cactus Homologous trait identified:   Leaves Venus Flytrap A brief background: A Venus Flytrap (scientific name: Dionaea Muscipula) is one of almost a thousand different types of carnivorous plants. While most species of plants rely solely on photosynthesis as their primary means of nutrient intake, the Venus Flytrap also captures insects as prey for food. This plant is native to the Eastern United States, most commonly found in North and South Carolina. A cactus (scientific name: Cactaceae) is a more succulent plant that lacks “typical” plant-like leaves and is instead characterized by pointy spikes that cover its surface. Cacti are usually found in dry, arid regions or in homes as houseplants and decor. Cactus Explanation of the trait:  In the case of the Venus Flytrap, the leaves are kidney-shaped and hinged, allowing them to open and close. They are li...

I would argue that Thomas Malthus had the largest impact on Darwin’s development of his Natural Selection theory. Malthus was a prominent economist who wrote an important piece of work titled, An Essay on the Principle of Population. This piece highlighted the dynamic between a population’s growth and it’s ever-constant resources. Although Malthus was far from interested in natural selection, his idea of environmental restraints on species that caused an element of population control, was key in the early development of Darwin’s theory. He emphasized that species reproduced far more young than could be accommodated for in a limited resource environment. By the time Darwin had read Malthus’s work, he had already begun his journey of inquiring knowledge of how nature progresses and how survival is determined. Malthus certainly contributed to Darwin’s curiosity. Malthus wanted to demonstrate that this principle applied to humankind, however, Darwin fixated on the species and de...