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Misconceptions About Evolution

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Syskool
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Misconceptions About Evolution

Evolution helps us to understand the history of life. While evolution is very widely accepted, many people hold to misconceptions about it. This list should help to dispel some of those myths.

Evolution is a theory about the origin of life

The theory of evolution primarily deals with the manner in which life has changed after its origin. While science is interested in the origins of life but these are not issues covered in the area of evolution. What is known is that regardless of the start, at some point life began to branch off. Evolution is, therefore, dedicated to the study of those processes.

Must Read: Ecology

Organisms are always getting better

While it is a fact that natural selection weeds out unhealthy genes from the gene pool, there are many cases where an imperfect organism has survived. Some examples of this are fungi, sharks, crayfish, and mosses – these have all remained essentially the same over a great period of time. These organisms are all sufficiently adapted to their environment to survive without improvement.

Evolution means that life changed ‘by chance’

In fact, natural selection is not random. Many aquatic animals need speed to survive and reproduce – the creatures with that ability are more suited to their environment and are more likely to survive natural selection. In turn, they will produce more offspring with the same traits and the cycle continues.

Natural selection involves organisms ‘trying’ to adapt

Organisms do not “try” to adapt – it is natural selection that enables various members of a group to survive and reproduce. Genetic adaptation is entirely outside of the power of the developing organism.

Also Read: Plant – Living Organism

Natural selection gives organisms what they ‘need.’

Natural selection has no “intelligence” – it cannot tell what a species needs. If a population has genetic variants that are more suited to their environment, they will reproduce more in the next generation and the population will evolve. If a genetic variant is not present, the population will most likely do – or it will survive with little evolutionary change.

Evolution is ‘just’ a theory

Scientifically speaking, a theory is a well substantiated idea that explains aspects of the natural world. Unfortunately other definitions of theory cause a great deal of confusion in the non-scientific world when dealing with the sciences.

Evolution is a Theory in Crisis

The minutiae of the process are vigorously debated which can cause anti-evolutionists to believe that the theory is in crisis. Evolution is sound science and is treated as such by scientists worldwide.

Gaps in the Fossil Record Disprove Evolution

Actually, many transitional fossils do exist – for example, there are fossils of transitional organisms between modern birds and their dinosaur ancestors, as well as whales and their land mammal ancestors. There are many transitional forms that have not been preserved, but that is simply because some organisms do not fossilize well or exist in conditions that do not allow for the process of fossilization. Science predicts that there will be gaps in the record for many evolutionary changes.

Have a Look at: Biodiversity

Evolutionary Theory is Incomplete

Evolutionary theory is like all of the other sciences in this respect. Science is always trying to improve our knowledge. At present, evolution is the only well-supported explanation for all of the life’s diversity.

The Theory is Flawed

Science is an extremely competitive field – if any flaws were discovered in evolutionary theory they would be quickly corrected. All of the alleged flaws that creationists put forth have been investigated careful by scientists and they simply do not hold water. They are usually based on misunderstandings of the theory or misrepresentation of the evidence.

Evolution is not science because it is not observable

Evolution is observable and testable. Astronomers can obviously not physically touch the objects they study

Don’t Miss: The Himalayas: An insight into their evoluton and importance

Most Biologists have rejected Darwinism

Scientists do not reject Charles Darwin’s theories, they have modified it over time as more knowledge has been discovered. Darwin considered that evolution proceeds at a deliberate, slow pace – but in fact it has now been discovered that it can proceed at a rapid pace under some circumstances. There has not been, so far, a credible challenge to the basic principles of Darwin’s theory. Scientists have improved and expanded on Darwin’s original theory of natural selection – it has not been rejected, it has been added to.

Evolution Leads to Immoral Behavior

All animal species have a set of behaviors that they share with other members of their species. Slugs act like slugs, dogs act like dogs, and humans act like humans. It is preposterous to presume that a child will begin to behave like another creature when they discover that they are related to them. It is nonsensical to link evolution to immoral or inappropriate behavior.

Evolution Supports “Might Makes Right”

Yet a great deal of knowledge can be gained through multiple lines of study. This is true also of evolution. It is also true that there are many mechanisms of evolution that can be, and are studied through direct experimentation as with other sciences.

Don’t Miss:

Fossils

Erosion

Shocking facts about Acid Rain

Interesting Facts About Atomic Bomb

By
Syskool
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0

Atomic bomb, also called atom bomb, weapon with great explosive power that results from the sudden release of energy upon the splitting, or fission, of the nuclei of such heavy elements as plutonium or uranium.

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped its first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. The bomb was known as “Little Boy”, a uranium gun-type bomb that exploded with about thirteen kilotons of force. At the time of the bombing, Hiroshima was home to 280,000-290,000 civilians as well as 43,000 soldiers. Between 90,000 and 166,000 people are believed to have died from the bomb in the four-month period following the explosion.

Interesting Facts About Atomic Bomb

  • Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not radioactive anymore mostly because the bombs didn’t touch the ground, but were detonated in the air.
  • A Japanese man survived both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings during World War II.
  • A survivor of Hiroshima’s atomic bombing went to Boston in 1951 and won the Marathon.
  • FATMAN was the code name for the atomic bomb that was detonated over Nagasaki.
  • Kokura, Japan, was the original target of the atomic bomb that landed in Nagasaki.
  • A Bonsai Tree planted in 1626 survived the atomic bomb at Hiroshima and now resides in a U.S. Museum.
  • A month after the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, a typhoon hit the city killing another 2,000 people.
  • 10% of US electricity is made from dismantled atomic bombs.
  • In 1962, the U.S. blew up a hydrogen bomb in space that was 100 times more powerful than Hiroshima.
  • The oleander is the official flower of the city of Hiroshima because it was the first thing to bloom again after the explosion of the atomic bomb in 1945.
  • The first nuclear bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, at Alamogordo, New Mexico. The second and third bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan on August 6 and August 9 respectively. They were products of the “Manhattan Project”.
  • On Aug. 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima with an estimated equivalent explosive force of 12,500 tons of TNT, followed three days later by a second, more powerful, bomb on Nagasaki. Both bombs caused widespread death, injury, and destruction.
  • Atomic bombs were subsequently developed by the USSR (1949; now Russia), Great Britain (1952), France (1960), and China (1964). A number of other nations, particularly India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea now have atomic bombs or the capability to produce them; South Africa formerly possessed a small arsenal.
  • Among the atomic weapons are A-bomb, H-bomb, radioactive materials. First Atomic bomb was made at the end of the WW2.
  • The first a-bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 2/3 of the city was destroyed.

Also, Read:

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Wash your hands before meals, prevent these 8 diseases

By
Syskool
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0
 The chances of not washing your hands after handling your pets, after shopping, gardening or visiting the washroom are very high. Although following hygiene and sanitation measures is good for health, not many people take it too
seriously. This is the reason why most of us fall sick despite being the leading healthy lifestyle and eating nutrient-rich food.
Throat infections
When you eat anything without washing your hands, the bacteria present on hands enter the body. As food travels through the windpipe, so does bacteria. This increases the chances of bacterial contact with the mucus lining, leading to common respiratory illnesses, such as a sore throat.
Read Also: Zika Virus The Alarming Spread of Threat
 
Diarrhoea
One of the main causes of diarrhoea is digestion problems, which in turn lead to various health complications
if left untreated. Commonly caused by viral infection, eating food that is packed with microbes increases the pressure on the stomach and hinders normal digestion process. The best way to prevent diarrhoea is to wash hands before consuming foods and after visiting crowded places or washroom.
Hepatitis B
One of the key steps to prevent infectious diseases like hepatitis B or jaundice is through following proper hygiene and sanitation measures. Washing your hands with soap before having your meal is topmost priority. This is
because washing hands with water and soap not only restricts viral transmission but also lowers the bacterial load present on your hands.
Food-borne infections
After working on computers for hours, you forget to wash your hands before having your lunch. This is a common
mistake which unknowingly increases your risk of getting infected with various foodborne illnesses.
Botulism
It is a serious illness that can be effectively prevented by simply washing hands before eating food. Although caused due to consumption of food contaminated with bacteria toxin, the severity of illness increases if hands are not washed properly.
Shigellosis
Caused by bacteria, it is one of the most common types of dysentery seen in adults. The main causes of getting infected with this disease are poor hygiene and sanitation and eating contaminated foods. Hence, it is advised to wash your hands properly before eating anything to lower your chances of shigellosis.
Amoebiasis
It is a type of dysentery that is caused by an amoeba, entamoeba histolytic. This can be prevented by following
few precautionary measures, such as washing hands before eating as the dirt present on hands contaminates the food. This, in turn, increases this risk of various infections.
Respiratory diseases
With winter around the corner, the immunity system is predisposed to various respiratory illnesses. However, the
risk of getting infected with various communicable diseases like laryngitis, cough and cold is quite high during this time. Hence, it is necessary to wash your hands properly before meals to avoid falling sick and lower the
transmission of germs causing infections.

 

Don’t Miss:
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The Circulatory System: Carrier of Life

Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Pistachios

By
Syskool
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0
Know About Pistachios
Pistachios are wonder nuts not just for the amazing health and nutrition benefits they carry. We bet there are quite a handful of interesting facts about this in-shell nut that you are not aware about.

Here we present a few such interesting facts about Pistachios.

  • Pistachios can lower your stress.
  • Pistachios have a significant amount of potassium and that helps in lowering the stress hormone cortisol in our body.
  • Pistachio nuts have the capability to lower impact of everyday stress on people.
  • The participants of this study had high cholesterol and normal blood pressure. As they included 43 grams of pistachio nuts in their daily diet there was a change in their stress level experienced with the same lifestyle routine.

Must Read: Unknown facts about Strawberry

Skinny nut

Pistachios are also called skinny nuts and the reason is their amazing nutrition profile. One pistachio nut has 3 calories and one cup of shelled pistachios have about 713 calories. This skinny nut has more dietary fiber and thiamin than yeast bread. Interestingly, 90% of the fat contained in pistachio is mono unsaturated fat which also lowers the risk of heart diseases.

The happy nut

This nut has some interesting names across the world and one such name is with which it is famous in China: “The Happy Nut”. In Iran, it is called “The Smiling Nut”. The Middle Eastern folks go a step ahead and often refer to this nut as the “smiling pistachio.” And if in a Middle East country you hear the pistachio shell open while you are sitting under a pistachio tree, it is considered a sign of good luck endowing on you.

Nutritional punch

Pistachios are high on nutritional value. They have a significant amount of protein, magnesium, thiamin, fiber, and phosphorus. They are also a very good source of Vitamin B6, copper, and manganese.

Also Read: Surprising Eating Benefits of Almonds

Reduces risk of cancer

The phytosterols and antioxidants like carotenoids beta-carotene and lutein, found in pistachio helps in lowering the risk of cancer.

Perfect workout snack

As pistachios have a combination of protein, fiber and carbohydrates, they are perfect to be consumed as a pre or post workout snack. They not only give you the right amount of energy you need but also keep you full for longer time.

Wonderful for your skin

Pistachios are a good source of Vitamin E which is a very effective antioxidant that works wonders for our skin. Vitamin E actually helps in protecting our skin cells from the impact of free radicals which otherwise damage our skin. It also helps in preventing skin aging prematurely.

Preventing Diabetes

Phosphorus is a mineral that improves glucose tolerance in our body. One single cup of pistachio contains 60% of the recommended daily value of phosphorous which helps in preventing diabetes.

Have a Look at: Powerful Benefits of Vitamin C

Boosts Hemoglobin

Vitamin B6 which is in plenty in pistachios is a key ingredient in making hemoglobin in our body, which in turn is responsible for taking oxygen to our cells through blood. Hemoglobin also boosts the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. Thus, having pistachios can keep our blood and cells much healthier.

Keeping eyesight safe

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids which are found in pistachio and not in any other nut. They help in decreasing any kind of risk of age caused macular degeneration which often results in visual impairments and acquired blindness. Thus, pistachios are great for the health of your eyes!

Prehistoric snack

Apart from those amazing health related fact, there is one interesting ancient fact about this nut. It is known to be a snack from the prehistoric times and is also among the few oldest flowering nut trees. It is estimated that human
beings have been having this nut for as long as 9000 years. And they are also one of the two nuts that got a mention in the Bible.

Also, Read:

Facts about Sugar

Facts about Vitamin D you should know

Cure chronic diseases with yoga

Surprising Health Benefits of Curd

Glossary of Economic Terms

By
Syskool
-
3
Glossary of Economic Terms

Here is the list of Glossary of Economic Terms:

Absolute advantage – The ability to produce something with fewer resources than other producers would use to produce the same thing

Balance of trade – The part of a nation’s balance of payments that deals with merchandise (or visible) imports or exports.

Bank, commercial – A financial institution accepts checking deposits, holds savings, sells traveler’s checks and performs other financial services.

Barter – The direct trading of goods and services without the use of money.

Bond – A certificate reflecting a firm’s promise to pay the holder a periodic interest payment until the date of maturity and a fixed sum of money on the designated maturity date.

Business (firm) – Private profit-seeking organizations that use resources to produce goods and services.

Capital – All buildings, equipment, and human skills used to produce goods and services.

Circular flow of goods and services (or Circular flow of economic activity) – A model of an economy showing the interactions between households and business firms as they exchange goods and services and resources in markets.

Competition – The effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms.
Consumers – People whose wants are satisfied by consuming a good or a service.

Consumption – In macroeconomics, the total spending, by individuals or a nation, on consumer goods during a given period.  Strictly speaking, consumption should apply only to those goods totally used, enjoyed, or “eaten up” within that period.  In practice, consumption expenditures include all consumer goods bought, many of which last well beyond the period in question –e.g., furniture, clothing, and automobiles.

Corporation – A legal entity owned by stockholders whose liability is limited to the value of their stock.

Costs of production – All resources used in producing goods and services, for which owners receive payments.

Credit – (1) In monetary theory, the use of someone else’s funds in exchange for a promise to pay (usually with interest) at a later date.  The major examples are short-term loans from a bank, credit extended by suppliers, and commercial paper.  (2) In balance-of-payments accounting, an item such as exports that earns a country foreign currency.

Deflation – A sustained and continuous decrease in the general price level.

Demand – A schedule of how much consumers are willing and able to buy at all possible prices during some time period.

Economic growth – An increase in the total output of a nation over time.  Economic growth is usually measured as the annual rate of increase in a nation’s real GDP.
Economic system – The collection of institutions, laws, activities, controlling values, and human motivations that collectively provide a framework for economic decision making.
Economic wants – Desires that can be satisfied by consuming a good or a service.  Some economic wants range from things needed for survival to things that are nice to have.

Entrepreneur – One who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.

Entrepreneurship – The human resource that assumes the risk of organizing other productive resources to produce goods and services.

Equilibrium price – The market clearing price at which the quantity demanded by buyers equals the quantity supplied by sellers.

Exchange – Trading goods and services with others  for other goods and services or for money (also called trade).  When people exchange voluntarily, they expect to be better off as a result.

Exchange rates – The rate, or price, at which one country’s currency is exchanged for the currency of another country.

Excise Tax – Taxes imposed on specific goods and services, such as cigarettes and gasoline.

Exports – Goods or services produced in one nation but sold to buyers in another nation.

Factors of production –  Resources used by businesses to produce goods and services.

Federal Reserve System – The central bank and monetary authority of the United States.

Final goods – Products that end up in the hands of consumers.

Fiscal policy – A government’s program with respect to (1) the purchase of goods and services and spending on transfer payments, and (2) the amount and type of taxes.

Functions of money – The roles played by money in an economy.  These roles include the medium of exchange, the standard of value, and store of value.

Full employment – A  term that is used in many senses.  Historically, it was taken to be that level of employment at which no (or minimal) involuntary unemployment exists.  Today economists rely upon the concept of the natural rate of unemployment to indicate the highest sustainable level of employment over the long run.

Goods – Objects that can satisfy people’s wants.

Government – National, state and local agencies that use tax revenues to provide goods and services for their citizens.

Gross domestic product (GDP) – The value, expressed in dollars, of all final goods and services produced in a year.

Human resources – The quantity and quality of human effort directed toward producing goods and services (also called labor).

Incentives – Factors that motivate and influence the behavior of households and businesses.  Prices, profits, and losses act as incentives for participants to take action in a market economy.

Imports – Goods or services bought from sellers in another nation.

Income – The payments made for the use of borrowed or loaned money.

Inflation – A sustained and continuous increase in the general price level.

Interest rates – The price paid for borrowing money for a period of time, usually expressed as a percentage of the principal per year.

Investment – The purchase of a security, such as a stock or bond.

Law of demand – The principle that price and quantity demanded are inversely related.

Law of supply – The principle that price and quantity supplied are directly related.

Loss –  Business situation in which total cost of production exceeds total revenue; negative profit.

Market – A setting where buyers and sellers establish prices for identical or very similar products, and exchange goods and/or services.

Monetary policy – The objectives of the central bank in exercising its control over money, interest rates, and credit conditions.  The instruments of monetary policy are primarily open-market operations, reserve requirements, and the discount rate.

Money – Anything that is generally accepted as a medium of exchange with which to buy goods and services, a good that can be used to buy all other goods and services, that serves as a standard of value, and has a store of value.

National debt – The net accumulation of federal budget deficits.

National income – The amount of aggregate income earned by suppliers of resources employed to produce GNP; net national product plus government subsidies minus indirect business taxes.

Natural resources – “Gifts of nature” that are used to produce goods and services.  They include land, trees, fish, petroleum and mineral deposits, the fertility of soil, climatic conditions for growing crops, and so on.

Producers – People who use resources to make goods and services (also called workers).

Production – The making of goods available for use; total output especially of a commodity or industry.

Productive resources – All natural resources (land), human resources (labor), and human-made resources (capital) used in the production of goods and services.

Productivity – The ratio of output (goods and services) produced per unit of input (productive resources) over some period of time.

Profit – The difference between total revenues and the full costs involved in producing or selling a good or service; it is a return for risk taking.

Resources – All natural, human, and human-made aids to the production of goods and services (also called productive resources).

Revenue – Payments received by businesses from selling goods and services.

Sales tax – Taxes paid on the goods and services people buy.

Scarcity – The condition that results from the imbalance between relatively unlimited wants and the relatively limited resources available for satisfying those wants.

Shortage – The situation resulting when the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied of a good or service, usually because the price is for some reason below the equilibrium price in the market.

Tariff – A tax on an imported good.

Unemployment – The situation in which people are willing and able to work at current wage rates, but do not have jobs.

Wages – The payment resource earners receive for their labor.

Work – Employment of people in jobs to make goods or services.

You May Also Read:

Glossary and terms for Physics

Elements of Economics

Read Chemistry Glossary and Terms

Vocabulary – Glossary of Cities

The Goods and Services Tax (GST)

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