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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper reviews this intriguing collection of essays by the controversial scientist Stephen Jay Gould. Evolution is discussed. No additional sources cited.
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA147pna.rtf
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thumb, is rather interesting. It is Goulds idea of evolution and similar to Darwin, but is not exactly Darwin. Gould has his theory of punctuated equilibrium for example, and others
also dispute Darwins claims to some extent. Gould throws out adaptationism and provides his own brand of evolution in the collection of essays called The Pandas Thumb.
Gould disputes Darwinism due to the fact that it promotes adaptation and negates other causes for change. For example, it is supposed that man adapted
to his environment by losing tails, losing the need for molars, etc. Teeth for example, are something that one might say has evolved where those who have fewer teeth are
higher on the evolutionary scale. Because people today eat processed foods a great deal there is no need for the extra teeth that perhaps the cave man might have required
to shred his prey. Evolution makes sense, but there are other causes perhaps for mans adaptation to the environment. In that example
one might argue that while it is true that the teeth disappear as a result of evolution, it is only because of socially constructed food choices-and the availability of manufacturing
plants, the creation of new food products and marketing-that has rendered man in such a condition. To Gould, not all traits are adaptations anyway, even though some exist.
Some are on the other hand something known as exaptations. One would think that something more is indicated anyway. One would have
to see that there is something greater at work than mere evolution and Gould makes that point clear in the book of essays presented. Much of Goulds criticism of Darwinism
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