Exploring Human Evolution and Prokaryotes: Familiar Discoveries and Surprising Revelations

Assignment Instructions:

The minimum length for this journal is 250 words. All journal assignments should be submitted through Canvas via the corresponding assignment links.
Journal 3:
Considering the content we have covered over the last week (Weeks 6; human evolution – prokaryotes), what was something you already knew, and what was something that surprised you?

How To Work On This Assignment(Example Essay/Draft)

Over the last week, we have delved into the fascinating topics of human evolution and prokaryotes. This content has been incredibly insightful, and I have learned a lot about the origins and development of humanity and the importance of prokaryotes in the ecosystem.

One aspect that I was already familiar with was the theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin. The idea that organisms that are better adapted to their environment will be more likely to survive and pass on their genes is a concept that has been widely discussed in biology classes and popular science media. However, it was interesting to learn more about the specifics of how natural selection has shaped human evolution, such as the development of bipedalism and larger brain size.

On the other hand, I was surprised to discover just how important prokaryotes are to the ecosystem. Before this course, I was unaware of the critical role that bacteria and archaea play in nutrient cycling and decomposition, as well as their contributions to human health and biotechnology. Learning about the diversity of prokaryotes and their incredible adaptability was eye-opening, and it made me appreciate these tiny organisms even more.

Overall, studying human evolution and prokaryotes has expanded my understanding of the natural world and how interconnected all living things are. I look forward to continuing to learn more about these topics and their impact on our planet.