Reflecting on the semester



I used to think of evolution as mainly being natural selection but throughout the semester, I have learned to think more about genetic drift, mutations, and migration. Previously I also didn't realize that genetic drift was always occurring and thought that it only occurred in small populations. The Galapagos Finches R exercise made me realize that evolution can occur in one generation and that evolution doesn't necessarily require a long period of time and several generations to occur. 

My perceptions of the process of science have also changed. I used to think that the data collected would either prove or disprove a hypothesis, however, I have learned that sometimes the data can both prove and disprove a hypothesis depending on what subset of the data is being examined. I also perceive the process of determining if the organisms being observed belong to one or multiple species differently. It isn't always as easy as the organisms look different or are different sizes. In some cases what was originally determined to be multiple species is later discovered to be a single species or vise versa. 

I feel I have gotten better at learning to interpret data this semester. At the beginning of the semester, I was terrified of the R exercises. Not only did I realize that it isn't nearly as complicated as I originally thought, but I also learned that I enjoy coding and it is definitely a skill that I will be using in the future.

Image credit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/raging-grace/201908/reflecting-your-own-twisted-life-path

Comments

  1. Dylan AlbersMay 7, 2021 at 8:52 PM

    I think this post is great! You are right in that the process of science is not what people think. Things can be proved or disproved or both. Answering questions will always create new questions!

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