Rhetorical Analysis Of Human Evolution 101 By Nadia Drake

A recent discovery of a new species of human has stirred up new theories regarding evolution. With all of the theories that float around people seem to forget the basic knowledge of the subject. This includes where the human race originated from, why this happened, and when it happened,. There is a lot of information to aid in the understanding of evolution and the science behind it. In Nadia Drake’s article, “Human Evolution 101” from National Geographic Magazine, she effectively utilizes logos to strengthen her factual ideas on human evolution and uses detailed descriptions and examples to explain them.

Drake begins her article utilizing logos stating, “We share nearly 99 percent of our genetic sequence with chimpanzees and bonobos, which strongly suggests a common ancestor.” Basically in this quote, she tells the audience

that the common belief that humans evolved from apes is untrue. Along with this quote she uses a hyperlink for “99 percent of our genetic sequence” to inform the audience where she got that information from to stabilize her credibility.

Another way Drake uses logos in her article is when she includes dates involving the milestones of evolution. For example, Drake informs the audience that “...the oldest stone tools are now thought to be 3.3 million years old.” This gives the audience an understanding of when humans started developing basic skills. The number “3.3 million” also has a hyperlink to improve Drake’s credibility.

Drake also uses logos to explain which species a human descended from. Although a common assumption is that all humans originated from apes Drake debunks this by stating, “Chimpanzees (or other apes) didn’t evolve into humans. Both lineages descended from a common ancestor…”Then going on to explain that scientists are not quite sure what the common ancestor may be yet. This is utilizing logos because Drake is using logic to persuade the audience that humans are not a direct ancestor from chimps.

To better help the audience understand why evolution happened Drake compares it to selective breeding in dogs.

The basic reason as to why a species evolves is to live and adapt better to their habitat which allows more offspring to be produced. To give the audience a better understanding of this Drake explains, “Animal breeders selectively breed animals that have the traits they want; that’s artificial selection.” She then follows up the text by relating evolution and states same process happens in nature except the environment and the opposite sex select the desired traits. Using this common relation, Drake gives the audience a better knowledge on the subject.

Although humans believe they have reached their full intellectual potential, evolution is constant in all creatures. Humans and animals have been in the making for millions of years and continue to be influenced by their environment. Through the use of logos, Nadia Drake successfully explains the basic concepts of human evolution which includes dates, locations, and relations. Using this the audience better understands the process of evolution and the debunked myths that surround

it.