Science is an ever-expanding field of knowledge, knowing the bounds only set in place by human intellect. As a civilization, we owe much of the foundation for modern science to a handful of ground-breaking scientists who revolutionized their field of study, such as Isaac Newton for his work in physics, Marie Curie for her work with radioactivity, and Charles Lyell for his renowned book Principles of Geology, which challenged beliefs about how the world worked. Lyell was instrumental in creating the theory of evolution because his book inspired Charles Darwin who later became known as the father of evolutionary theory. Principles of Geology is a dense read, chock full of archaic language that may be a hassle to sort through but worth the effort …show more content…
Through his lengthy but arguably lyrical use of diction, logos, and cause and effect writing, he persuades the audience to see that the consequences of disrupting nature can affect almost every living creature. He begins this particular passage in Iceland, pre-colonization. This was to set a scene for the audience to help them imagine a place void of human life and thus easier to believe being taken over by polar bears. Iceland was also, at the time, very close to large sheets of ice in the Arctic Circle, which makes Lyell’s theory of the bears floating across the ocean on pieces of frozen ice more plausible. He often refers to the polar bears or other mammals as “quadrupeds” (144), which just means any four-legged animals. His use of the word is repeated throughout the whole chapter, adding to his already intimidating, scientifically accurate vocabulary, validating his credibility as an author. Phrases like “aggregate amount” and “terrestrial testacea” are sprinkled throughout his writing, showing both his finesse of the English language and his grasp on catchy alliterations. The rest of this particular page is filled with the effects the polar bears would have on the land. Lyell says, “Thus the numerical proportions of a great number of the inhabitants, both of the land and sea, might be permanently altered by the settling of one new species in the
The Arctic region is home to a variety of valuable animals and plants, including polar bear, seal, and so on. The ecosystem of the Arctic region is fragile because these animals are evolved to live in extreme conditions. With the climate change, many animals are endangered. Ice is the habitat of polar animals because they have to rely on sea ices for resting, food, and reproduction. With the climate change and the decrease of sea ice, the number of polar animals is decreasing and their health is threatened. For example, the average weight of female polar bears in 1980 was about 650 pounds, but the number reduced to about 500 pounds in 2004 (Djoghlaf 15). The earlier breakup and later condensation of sea ice shortens the hunting season of polar bears. Polar bears mainly feed on seals that indwell icy land. The melting ice reduces the number of seals and food intake of polar bears. In addition, polar bears are used to living in ice caves. The rising temperature causes the collapse of ice caves, which can kill baby bears. The climate change is negatively affecting the biodiversity in the region and will definitely harm the ecosystem
Charles Lyell was a British lawyer and one the smartest geologist known in his time. He was known as the author of the Principles of Geology, which helped popularize the theories and concepts of uniformitarianism. The Principles of Geology was the first book written by Lyell and explained the changes of the earth’s surface. He used the research and information in the book as his proof to determine that the earth was over 6,000 years old. The central argument in his book was “the present is the key to the past”, this meant that to find out what happened in the past you had to look at what was happening now. It explained that changes which happened in the past, were happening in the present, and will happen in the future. Lyell’s book was later published into three volumes from 1830-1833. After the publication, it gave him credentials as an important geological theorist. His book later influenced a young Charles Darwin. Lyell’s influential book led Darwin to follow his principles and they later became friends. Darwin began to explore the changes that happen on the earth and develop his theories of evolution, though Charles did not completely endorse Darwin’s theory of evolution. Lyell was a devout Christian and Darwin’s theory of evolution did not line up with his Lyell’s beliefs with natural selection. Darwin continued his research and beliefs of his own and became a scientist working with his theories of evolution.
Henry, John. (2001). The scientific revolution and the origins of modern science. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Publishing
Anyone with even a moderate background in science has heard of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. Since the publishing of his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859, Darwin’s ideas have been debated by everyone from scientists to theologians to ordinary lay-people. Today, though there is still severe opposition, evolution is regarded as fact by most of the scientific community and Darwin’s book remains one of the most influential ever written.
...t of Biological Sciences with the University of Alberta. He has studied polar bears in the Canadian Arctic for over 40 years. His studies have linked the loss of sea ice due to climate change to the decline of the polar bear population.
Charles Darwin published his On Origin of Species in 1859. By 1870, Darwin’s theory of evolution was widely accepted as fact (van Wyhe, n.d.). This was no easy feat, Darwin was able to provide ample evidence from his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, Darwin successfully implanted an idea. That idea took root and expanded into a profound science. The spread of ideas is at the very heart of civilization. Some ideas survive and thrive, while others wither and die on the vine. It was Richard Dawkins who pioneered the science behind the spread of ideas, and it is to him that those who count on the spread of their ideas, such as Jonathan Kozol, pay deference.
Evolution, creation and geology (the study of the physical nature, history, development of the earth)
Evolution is the heart of life. Without it, life could not be sustainable. When the environment changes and the species within the environment fails to adapt or change, then all living organisms would perish over time. Charles Darwin, a biologist and naturalist, is known worldwide for his contributions to science for the extensive research and experiments conducted to help support the theory of evolution and how it worked. One basic mechanism that can be used to understand evolution is natural selection. “Resources are limited in nature, organisms with heritable traits that favor survival and reproduction will tend to leave more offspring than their peers, causing the traits to increase in frequency over generations.” (Darwin, Evolution,
Polkinghorne asserts that “scientists are motivated by the desire understand what is happening in the world.”(551, Polkinghorne). As a physicist himself, Polkinghorne understands the desire to understand the world, even shifting careers to become a priest to better his understanding. Science asks how things happen, and does not attempt to answer every question. Questions asking why go ignored, as if they are not necessary to fully understand the world and the life that lives here. Science alone
Our thirst for science can be traced back through many decades. However, the nineteenth century society felt that science was a great investment towards a better life. This investment in science gave the nineteenth century society the discovery of light waves and radio waves, the electric motors, the first photograph and telephone, and the first publication of the periodic table. Science also caused an uproar in society when Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, which became the scientific basis for the study of the evolution of humans. Many people in the nineteenth century detested Darwin's theory of the evolution of man because it went against their religion, which believed that God created the world.
Cooper, Lawrence, Cary Murphy. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Chicago: Taylor & Francis, 1996
Survival of the fittest serves to be true in all walks of society. When drawing attention to the animals on top of the food chain, it’s important to analyze what sets them apart from the rest. What is the edge they have on the competitors? What are their weaknesses? The animals that occupy the artic regions have learned to survive the furry of Mother Nature, but still must compete for survival with the top predator of the artic, the polar bear.
Science is an approach by which scientists relate things to each other and explain the main concepts that govern the very laws that they derive. [Gauch, 2003]
Analyzing polar bears’ life history will help lay a foundation for understanding why they are currently threatened. Currently there are about 22,000-31,000 polar bears found in 19 subpopulations across the globe (Wiig O et al., 2015). Polar bears have a “circumpolar distribution”: they generally live around the Arctic region around the North Pole, relying heavily on the Arctic ice for hunting, mating, resting, and creating dens (Gunderson, 2009). Their geographic range is determined by the level of ice in coastal areas which differs from summer to winter time. For example, during the winter, polar bears are more often seen at the southern edge of the ice pack versus during the winter they tend to stay on islands and coastal regions that retain ice on land. This heavy dependence on the level of sea ice makes them highly susceptible to global
The book is not providing explanation on what scientists did or how they did it. However, it offer explanations on how scientists think and how they make conclusions. In addition to the many topics explored, it is worth noting that there are also interesting tales behind some big discoveries in science which are an added attraction to this book. The Author, Dr Samir Okasha, a professor of philosophy of science at the Bristol University states that his aim of writing this book was to pass the philosophy of science in a way that can be understood by everyone. He also sought to pass his ideals in a manner that is free from complicated Jargon, with real world examples to enable all readers understand and