Plants & Human Affairs (BIOL106) - Stephen G. Saupe, Ph.D.; Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321; ssaupe@csbsju.edu; http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe |
Panda's & Orchids
Directions: Read Stephen J. Gould's essay "The panda's peculiar thumb" (Natural History; November, Vol. 87; 1978). Bring to class, typed, answers to the following questions (a sentence or two for each is fine):
What is the function of the panda's 'thumb'?
Why is it unexpected that the pandas have a thumb? What is the origin of the thumb?
Why do pandas have an enlarged foot bone?
What does Darwin means by a "contrivance" or an "imperfection"? Give an example.
Gould believes that an "ideal design is a lousy argument for evolution." What does he mean by "ideal design" and why are "imperfections" or "contrivances" support for evolution?
Why is self-fertilization a poor strategy for a plant?
What is the difference between self and cross pollination?
How do plants prevent self-pollination and insure cross pollination
What is an adaptation? Give an example.
References:
Last updated: 10/22/2008 � Copyright by SG Saupe