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Unit 8 Reflection



In this unit, we covered how evolution works and how it has affected todays Earth. Variation exists in all species, as its any difference in traits within a population. Charles Darwin made great contributions in understanding evolution with his four observations: sexually reproductive species have high genetic variation; all species can produce more offspring than their environment can support; traits are inherited from parents; and not all offspring survives due to limited sources. Natural selection favors certain phenotypes, where the better phen/otypes survive. Speciation is the rise of two or more species from an existing one, through behavioral isolation or temporal isolation. Scientists have discovered evidence of evolution through embryology, vestigial structures, fossils, homologous structures, and analogous structures. There are five different ways a population can change: genetic drift, mutations, gene flow, sexual selection, and natural selection. Life on Earth has gone through four eras where it started from a single atom, developing into what is it is today relatively fast.

            This unit was the most interesting one for me so far, so naturally, it was easier to maintain good study habits. I completed my vodcasts earlier than I usually do and made sure to keep up with my textbook notes. I am a better student because I was more organized and interested.
            I was fascinated about how Earth has evolved. I would love to follow up on the mass extinctions Earth has experienced and the species affected.
            Last unit, I determined I was already confident and assertive. I maintained my assertiveness by valuing everyones ideas and listening well. I stood up for myself by making sure not to be knocked down by the competing variations in the labs.

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