Biology Research Paper

Stephen Gould
Country he lived in: New York
Dates the scientist lived: September 10, 1941-May 20, 2002
Main findings, publications, and contributions: One of his best known theories, argued that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than a steady process of slow change. This theory, known as punctuated equilibrium, was part of Gould's work that brought a forsaken paleontological perspective to the evolutionary mainstream. Popular books by Gould include ''Wonderful Life,'' which examines the evolution of early life as recorded in the fossils of the Burgess Shale, and ''The Mismeasure of Man,'' a rebuttal to what Gould described as pseudoscientific theories used to defend racist ideologies. Enrolled at Antioch College in Ohio, where he received a bachelor's degree in geology in 1963. In 1967, he received a doctorate in paleontology from Columbia University and went on to teach at Harvard, where he would spend the rest of his career.
Explanations of how these findings impacted the developing theory of evolution and relate to the modern theory of evolution: He came up with the theory of punctuated equilibrium which explained that evolution didn't occur at a constant rate but it brought him into conflict with other evolutionary biologists such as Richard Dawkins. Punctuated equilibrium is now widely accepted as being a valid explanation for apparent gaps that had appeared in the fossil record. It still involved a process of natural selection so it didn't contradict Darwin's original theory.
Information on how these findings and publications relate to the commonly held beliefs of the day: These findings and publications relate to the commonly held beliefs of the day and proposed that science and religion should be considered two distinct fields whose authorities do not overlap. This proposal is still brought about today.
Herbert Spencer
Country he lived in: Derby, England
Dates the scientist lived: April 27, 1820 – December 8, 1903
Main findings, publications, and contributions: Spencer developed the all embracing conception of evolution as the progressive development of the physical world, biological organisms, the human mind, and human culture and societies. He wrote about evolutions before Darwin did. Spencer believed that the evolutionary mechanism was also necessary to explain 'higher' evolution, especially the social development of humanity. Spencer also had a direction and end point, the attainment of a final state of equillibrium.
Explanations of how these findings impacted the developing theory of evolution and relate to the modern theory of evolution: A lot of his work was compared to Darwin's concept, and you are able to see the difference between the two.
Information on how these findings and publications relate to the commonly held beliefs of the day: Helps people try & understand how things could have started, & helps other scientist to make new theories or add on.
Thomas Huxley
Country he lived in: London
Dates the scientist lived: May 4, 1825--June 29, 1895
Main findings, publications, and contributions: Thomas was an anatomist, known as "Darwin's Bulldog" for his advocacy of charles Darwin's theory of evolution. he had a famous debate in 1860 with Samuel Wilberforce, and was a key moment in the wider acceptance of evolution, and in his own career. He later joined the debate after his encounter with Robert Chambers. Huxley was for about 30 years evolution's most effective advocate, and for some Huxley was "the premier advocate of science in the nineteenth century for the whole english speaking world". His extensive public work on scientific education, both of which had significant effects on society in Britain and elsewhere.
Explanations of how these findings impacted the developing theory of evolution and relate to the modern theory of evolution: His findings impacted the society in Britain and other places, for his public work on scientific education.
Information on how these findings and publications relate to the commonly held beliefs of the day: Helps people try & understand how things could have started, and helps other scientist to make new theories or add on.
Ronald Fisher
Country he lived in: Adelaide, Australia
Dates the scientist lived: February 17, 1890-July 29, 1962
Main findings, publications, and contributions: Fisher was an evolutionary biologist. He worked together with Sewall Wright and J.B.S Haldane, and was one of the founders of the neo-Darwinian modern evolutionary sinthesis, he also was the first to use diffusion equations to attempt to calculate the distribution of the gene frequencies among populations. He wrote a book "The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection" which was started in 1928, with different ideas in it like the evolution of dominance.
Explanations of how these findings impacted the developing theory of evolution and relate to the modern theory of evolution: In his books & journals he explained his point of view of evolution.
Information on how these findings and publications relate to the commonly held beliefs of the day: How things could have started & helps scientist to make new theories or add ons.
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