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The Evidence for Evolution02:55

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Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
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Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is that if two species share a common feature, it is likely encoded by the DNA sequence conserved between both species. The advent of genome sequencing technologies in the late 20th century enabled scientists to understand the concept of conservation of domains between species and helped them to deduce evolutionary relationships across diverse...
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The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both...
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The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
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The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
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Light Sheet-based Fluorescence Microscopy of Living or Fixed and Stained Tribolium castaneum Embryos
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'Model organisms' in the light of evolution.

Paul S Katz1

  • 1Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5030, Atlanta GA 30302, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|July 27, 2016
PubMed
Summary

The term "model" in biology is misleading when referring to subject species. This paper argues for abandoning this terminology to improve scientific clarity and accuracy in biological research.

Area of Science:

  • Biology
  • Scientific Terminology

Background:

  • The use of the term 'model' for subject species in biological research is widespread.
  • This terminology can create ambiguity and misinterpretations regarding the relationship between the subject species and the broader biological phenomena being studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the appropriateness of using the term 'model' for subject species in biology.
  • To advocate for a shift towards more precise and accurate language in scientific discourse.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of scientific terminology.
  • Review of historical and current usage of 'model' in biological research.

Main Results:

  • The term 'model' inaccurately implies a direct, simplified representation rather than a complex biological system.

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  • Continued use of 'model' can hinder a deeper understanding of species-specific biology and evolutionary contexts.

    • Conclusions:

    • Abandoning the term 'model' for subject species will enhance clarity in biological communication.
    • Adopting precise language is crucial for advancing scientific understanding and avoiding anthropocentric biases.