Galapagos islands Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Galapagos islands - Research Paper Example In addition, sailors have used the islands as a food source and rest stop for hundreds of years. The combination has been an environmental disaster. Efforts have been made through the years to curb the loss of native animal populations due to man’s carelessness but some have become extinct anyway, a shame anywhere that might occur but especially so for these particular islands. The idea of evolution was formed before Darwin’s birth but it was his book On Origin of the Species that popularized the concept. This book is the source of most all educated people’s knowledge of the science to this day. Of course since it’s writing scientists have expanded the field of knowledge regarding the evolutionary process. Though Darwin had studied the evolution, his writings suggest that he still believed in the biblical account of creation before boarding the H.M.S. Beagle on its voyage to the Pacific Ocean, that it was compatible with biological evolution theory. Once h e returned from the islands and thoroughly studied the evidence he had brought back, his concept of the creation of man had evolved to purely a scientific explanation. The species of animals found on the Galapagos are unlike any other, anywhere in the world. Darwin observed a bird, a type of Finch, was very similar but had slightly different characteristics depending on the particular island they inhabited. Interestingly, each island is vastly different. One is like a desert, a second like a lowland forest, a third has a dense forest, a fourth subtropical forests usually found only in higher elevations, a fifth grassy plain-like conditions and so on. He recognized that the Finch’s were different because they had developed specialized physical features designed to adapt to the differing environments. Darwin theorized that a single type of Finch flew to the islands originally then, through biological evolutionary process, developed into several different species over millions o f years. The Galapagos Island chain is fairly new, geologically speaking. It was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions occurring between three and five million years ago. Darwin understood that the island’s isolated location must have offered life the opportunity for a new beginning. â€Å"Seeing every height crowned with its crater, and the boundaries of most of the lava-streams still distinct, we are led to believe that within a period, geologically recent, the unbroken ocean was here spread out,† he documented in his Journal of Researches. â€Å"Hence, both in space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact, that mystery of mysteries, the first appearance of new beings on this earth.† (Sulloway, 2005). In other words, the circumstances inherent in the islands was a unique opportunity to view how evolution occurs over a relatively rapid period of time over a very short distance, the perfect laboratory to confirm observations and theor ies. When he returned to his home in England, Darwin, along with a respected ornithologist (bird expert) identified 13 different finch species he had brought back from the Galapagos.  The ornithologist was baffled because he knew that only one species of finch lived on the entire South American Continent which was the only feasible location from which a bird that size could reach the Galapagos without have to land. He also noticed that the beaks

Field trip Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Field trip - Essay Example In accordance with Jewish tradition, prayers should always occur in the entire community. Amidah, which is the third section of Shabbat service, forms the central point of Worship among Jews. During this section, the congregation normally engages in prayers and meditations. The word Amidah gives a description of prayers and the manner in which the Jews worship. Amidah has a small session for private prayers among its worshippers. Similar to any church service, the Shabbat also acknowledges rituals and their significance in worship. Consequently, Torah service forms the next section of Shabbat service. Torah service provides teachings on peace, justice, and truth in the society. In general, this section follows teachings of Moses as written in his five books. The last session of the Shabbat Service is concluding prayers where the whole congregation participates in recitation of Aleinu or Adoration (Abrams & Katherine 18). We chose Shabbat service as our field trip experience because of the perception that Jewish religion has unique philosophies and worship procedures. Majority of people in the society believe that Shabbat is different from other church services because of its restrictions and related philosophies. Consequently, attending the service would enable us to obtain philosophies and facts about the Shabbat Service. After attending the Shabbat Service, we were able to determine how philosophy influences the religion. According to the Jews, Shabbat Service must have five prayer sessions. All these sessions have different significance to the worshippers. For instance, Torah service teaches peace and justice in the community. In addition, the religion has a philosophy, which advocates for all members of the congregation to use the five holy books recommended by Moses to govern all rituals. Just like Christian services, the Shabbat service considers prayers as precious gifts from heaven. As a result, the Jewish considers Amidah as a special session of