The Argument

The Argument

            David Shenk claims “a trait emerges only from the interaction of gene and environment” (p. 17), hence advocates the fact that all animals are all born with somewhat equal potential to succeed.  From an individualistic perspective, does this concept apply to r-selected species, where the parental care given to each offspring is extremely low, thus most offspring’s don’t even survive or only to k-selected individuals who are actually given a chance to survive?  Account for the relationship between the application of Mr. Shenk’s concept and the overall development of a species; aren’t humans born with far greater abilities than dogs?  Specifically what environmental factors (weather, predation, and etc.) give organisms the greatest advantages to survive and reproduce successfully and did these factors the driving force behind human evolution? Use a biological theme to support your analysis.

- Akshay Ramachandran (ramachandran.akshay11@gmail.com)