Nicholas Simons Chapter 7 Evolution Homework

1. Does the expedition in chapter 7 hold any significance in our time?

In chapter 7 of House of Lost Worlds, numerous discoveries are made that rectified oversights made over key distinctions between different species.  Considered to be one of the greatest finds in evolutionary history, Marsh oversaw a shipment of fossilized jaws to which he believed belonged to a newly uncovered reptile. Upon further inspection, Marsh realized that the jaws belonged to a bird with teeth, to which he designated as the Ichthyornis dispar. This discovery was crucial as it makes distinctions between reptiles and birds as well as prove the transitional forms between the two species. More importantly, T.H. Huxley, known as “Darwin’s Bulldog,” claimed the findings brought factual evidence that backs Darwin’s theory of evolution.

2.  How does it compare to the research that was done in the article?

The research article published on the Plant Science Bulletin shares similarities to Marsh’s expedition. Both the expedition and the research study were conducted to increase knowledge in a particular field. Marsh’s expedition that began in the 1870’s lead to new discoveries such as the Ichthyornis Dispar that distinguished transitional differences between reptiles and birds. The profound find created new openings for research that changed our understanding of evolution. In the article, the project on plant life was conducted for a similar reason. The program “opened” students eyes to a world of plants as well as increase their understanding of plant life.