Wednesday, August 6, 2008

hello world. :>

Hello sunshine. The earth says hello. :>


If you wish to fully understand and not be confused, I suggest you start at the beginning. :>

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! :D

Posted by isay viola

analysis.

From the given data shown in my previous post...

**surveyor's notes:
Surveying the Pisay students was a hard task yet fun to do. You get to see the different reactions of people and how they think. Some read fast that sometimes it is hard to believe they actually read it while some really take the time to absorb the definitions we put in. See. That's why I like Life Sci. It gives you a reason to do the things you normally wouldn't do. :>

Posted by isay viola

group effort. :>






So, our wonderful group (Kat Sevilla, Patrice Legaspi, Paolo Laureta and yours truly), has decided to conduct a survey among the Pisay scholars regarding their views and beliefs on evolution. This survey was conducted in order to determine what type of evolution prevails on campus and whether they understand clearly the theories involved.

Random sampling was used for us to know who to survey. From each section, a guy and a girl was asked and another from either gender. So, we have surveyed 24 people or 10% of each each batch.

Shown above are the results from first year to fourth year, top to bottom.

Posted by isay viola

and therefore, i conclude.

"Survival of the fittest."

This quote was often related to the theory of evolution and the phenomenon of natural selection. Usually, it talks about the way species adapt to their environments and that nature was the one which selects the traits they need. In order to survive, one must be fit, ingenious and resourceful. One must be one the best among the rest. It is in this concept where I find the nature of humankind. And in terms of this, I agree that natural selection really does occur.

I have a theory that everything in this world is capable of evolving as long as forces outside their system are present and/or can influence them emotionally, mentally and spiritually. And by evolving, I mean by developing gradually. I believe that there is no such thing as unique and original in this world. Somewhere, somehow, each person is similar to another. Each idea our minds have come up with can also be conceived by another. Yes, it is possible that we have thought of something all by ourselves but in order to reach that original thought, something must have influenced it or have started it. Everything in this world is connected and interrelated. Each action has its own consequence. I believe that nothing can originate from nothing.

People of today are rapidly evolving (sounds ironic, doesn’t it?). Time goes by so fast that some of us can barely keep up. Everything changes, from the small issues like what a person wants to the big ones like the media and globalization. Evolution or variation, is very evident even in just the Philippines. The preferences of Filipinos have been shifting ever since the other countries colonized us. It seems that we are at a loss of what is right and what is wrong. Before, our grandparents lived simply and peacefully. Their wants were minimal and they were easily content with what they have. They know how to work and live with what they have. But as generations pass by, people have become greedier, wanting more. The state of the country is continuously deteriorating. More crimes are done each day, as if killing someone was as easy as snapping a finger. People are willing to do everything for money, in order to survive. For money, others will trade their souls, hurt their loved ones and leave their families. The cost of living has become too high for those who are at the bottom. If they do not “select” or choose to do what they do, they cannot and will not survive.

Another rapidly evolving thing is the media. Before, media was used to inform and entertain. Parents can safely leave their children to watch cartoons and TV shows. The news was about progress and positive things. But now, look at what it has resulted to. How often can you open the TV and not see people hurting and killing one another. The people who appear on the screen can almost always be considered as undressed or “nagtitipid sa tela”. In between programs, we are bombarded with countless commercials, each manipulating us that their product is the best. Now, the news can hardly be considered as good. We hear the stories of people murdered, corrupt politicians and people suffering. Is this the way we want the next generation to experience media that once brought us much knowledge and awareness?

And so, I conclude that natural selection, by its definition, does occur in humans. But not each selection or product is for the better. Survival of the fittest; it is true. But we should bear in mind that the end doesn’t always satisfy the means.

Posted by isay viola

a science for life. :>

As my previous post may have stated, I was learning. That was the main reason why I joined the life science elective – I wanted to learn. I know this elective requires a lot, like this blog-o-folio, and that compared to the other electives this really requires serious thinking skills. But nevertheless, I wanted to be here. When I entered this elective, I had no expectations whatsoever. I didn’t know what this elective does, what topics are discussed and what will happen. All I know is that it is an elective that talk about the science of and in life. That is enough to motivate and entice me into joining.

As I reflect upon the things and my experiences for the first quarter, I realized that I have come a long way off and that I have still more to go. But the thing is, I learned something. I was learning. I learned how to ask about things that I usually didn’t bother thinking about before. I learned how to think for myself and to stand up for my beliefs. I developed a sense of curiosity and intuitiveness. In a way, I can now consider myself a thoughtful person. :> I learned how to criticize, to appreciate and to imagine things. Now, before I actually believe something, I want to know the facts and the definition. Only then can I judge whether this can be considered true or false.

I also learned a lot of concepts and ideas, especially about the origin of life. I now know that there are so much more theories about it than just Darwin’s. In fact, our group has made a survey about the different kinds and I realized that some Pisay scholars do not exactly understand it but choose to believe in it anyway. Darwin’s theory of evolution says that species evolve through natural selection. Nature is the one that picks the suitable characteristics for the species to adapt and to survive. Sometimes, it is can be considered the survival of the fittest. But then again, there are those who contradict him saying that God or a Divine Intervention was the origin and the creator of life – theory of Intelligent Design or sometimes can be considered as creationism. For these people, life just came to be, created by a deity. They have strong faith in a god and they think that believing Darwin is a great sin. In my opinion, religion and science do not have to contradict one another. If you think about it, it is through religion that science came about. It is because of the debate of the existence of gods that science was first manifested. They were in search of truth and they wanted to know – which is what science is about.

Life science so far has provided me not only information but also experiences that I can treasure and remember. This includes the day when majority of us went to a forum of the Haribon Foundation where we were probably the only ones in high school. It was an experience to remember for the class actually bonded besides group activities. The experience was relatively rare because I actually had fun during the trip. Also, I saw sides of the people I can never see when outside the classroom. I discovered how other people can have ideas that contrast and support mine.


Life science really is a science for life. :>

Posted by isay viola

criticism of the yellow paper.

I was actually amused at myself when I read this entry in my learning log. As I was typing and “de-softcopy-fying” the page, I was correcting myself along the way. I was saying to myself that, “No, what I believe is like this” or “What I should have written was this.” And then I realized how weird that sounds if I said it out loud because I remember at that time when I wrote this, I was so happy I was able to answer and fill out the yellow paper. And it is only now that I can really say to myself my knowledge in the life sciences has taken one step up. ;)

And now, I shall compare and contrast the things and ideas I have written before with the those I have now. (Oooh. This will be fun!)

But before that, I want to introduce this topic (for the others who are not great lifesci students and Mr. Talaue). So you see, we, lifesci students keep a folder with bond paper fastened to it – a.k.a. the learning log. Here, we write our thoughts, ideas, queries and everything related to the subject. At the end of the quarter, one entry will receive the spotlight and in my case, I chose to award the prize to the hand-out given regarding the film showing of “Galapagos: Beyond Darwin”. The film was shown during the first early meetings of our elective and greatly reflects what I thought of evolution before any other information was given to me. It was like a diagnostic activity; only we were given a film as a reference.

So. What did I find interesting in the film? According to my learning log entry, I was interested at how 2 organisms who look so different were considered to originate from a common ancestor and also, at how the then lifeless island of Galapagos became the now perfect island lab filled with biodiversity of life. It’s hard to perceive how life came from inanimate objects. Now, I know that these were included in Darwin’s theory of evolution; a theory that is accepted by some and refuted by others. Whether this occurrence is true or not, no one can really tell. Also, it was interesting that fossils can be preserved and show everything, even already extinct species. They served as one of the primary evidences of Darwin’s theory. But the thing is, it is amazing what the science and technologies of today are capable of. I wonder what they could do in the future.

Moving on, what did I find significant? It is true that there are more diverse worlds beyond our own. Through the film, I was reminded that the diversity of life is unpredictable and unquantifiable. Just when you thought you knew and have seen every absurd or wonderful creature, nature presents you with a new one. I compared the Galapagos with the Philippines. They say that our country is very rich in biodiversity. I wonder what went wrong and amazingly, the film answered me. Human intervention is one of the main causes of disaster; it disrupts the normal flow of nature.

In my entry, there were more things that I agree with than I disagree with. In both categories, I entered that evolution is a fact. I agreed to the statement because species have to evolve to survive. I disagreed because it contradicts my faith. I also wrote that I believe that natural selection really does take place. And now, I want to correct myself. Yes, I know that species have to evolve to survive but when I say evolve, I mean it in the sense of the word, not as what Darwin says. True, the species must make some modifications in its body but they did not originate from a single cell created by inanimate objects. I find that really absurd. Also, now I understand that natural selection is not exactly a phenomenon that is easy to believe. Imagine having fate choosing what is best for you. Does fate have its own brain and can think for itself? The concept of natural selection will only create more questions in my mind and I now refuse to agree or disagree with it. I can study something and know its concepts without actually believing in it, right?

And there. The highlight of my learning log has already been criticized. Feel free to comment on my past and present self. But one thing is for sure. The Galapagos island really is a biodiverse paradise and steps must be taken to preserve its state.

**i just want to add how true the nickname for our notebook is.
i really am learning. :>

Posted by isay viola

Galapagos: Beyond Darwin

GALAPAGOS: Beyond Darwin

What did you find INTERESTING?
• How two organisms who look so different can be considered “similar” or came from the same ancestor
• How the Galapagos Island, which used to be lifeless, came to be the “perfect island lab,” filled with biodiversity and life
• Fossils can be preserved and show everything, even already extinct species
• It amazes me that the world can shelter so much life on earth that are completely different from one another. Can’t there exist a possibility that the DNA sequences be exactly alike for 2 organisms?

What did you find SIGNIFICANT?
• The reality that a more diverse world exists beyond our knowledge
• The way the organisms evolve to adapt and for better survival
• The effect of human intervention on islands and their species; more often than not, it disrupts the normal flow of nature

What did you AGREE WITH?
• The Galapagos island is one of the most biodiverse places in the world.
• I believe that natural selection really does exist
• Evolution is a fact. Though it may contradict my beliefs, in one way of another, species have to evolve to survive.

What did you DISAGREE WITH?
• Though I agreed that evolution is a fact, I also disagree with it. well at least the religious side of me. Maybe God was just great to create such diverse species.


**This is a soft-copy of the learning log page. the contents are exactly the same. :)

Posted by isay viola

sugar and spice.

As my previous post has said, the day I entered Pisay was the day my queries and thoughts on evolution sprung up. It happened to me on that fateful day, during our Bio 1 class. The topic discussed was the origin of the species and it was the first time I have encountered the word, “evolution”. It was never mentioned during my elementary years probably because my school believed that the concept is against their belief, as my elementary school was run by nuns. And so, as our dearest Bio teacher explained the different kinds of evolution and the theories behind them, I became more and more confused. It was a whole new thing to me and I could not yet completely grasp the idea. I mean, for 13 years I have lived believing that my ancestors were Adam and Eve and now Darwin comes along with his theory telling me that my ancestors were apes? For a small and bothered-to-begin-with mind like mine, that was a little hard to grasp. And even though Bio 1 was 2 years ago, I can’t say that the thought doesn’t bother me. But now, at least I have a firm stand on the origin of life. And I choose not to side with either theory, for I believe that both can actually complement each other. Religion and science do not exactly have to be black and white; they’re more like sugar and spice. :P

So. I believe in creationism as well in Darwinism. I believe that God had a role in the formation of species; someone or something must have started it. According to Darwin, man evolved from a single cell. I believe that God was the one who created that single cell. In this theory of mine, I have developed a logical explanation for the origin of life. Also, this is the only concept I can think of that does not contradict my faith in God and my desire for science.

Posted by isay viola

the best part of believe is the lie.

the crystal skull

The day I entered Pisay was the day my mind was enlightened regarding the topic of life. Life as it is is a mystery; everything about it has been questioned, doubted, confused and studied, and yet, no has ever come close to finding the true and sole reason of being. Everything we believe in is just a theory and every truth we say becomes the truth just because we think it is. The human brain is all it takes for something to become a truth and for that something to be considered a fallacy. But still, is it really possible for a mere mortal brain to conceive the true wonders and the truth behind the mystery of life and of the universe?


I remember the ending of the movie “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” wherein antagonist Cate Blanchett disintegrated into oblivion when she attempted to know what is true. I guess whatever the truth is, we just have to settle for what our minds can conceive. To survive in this world and be our own person, we have to be strong and willing to stand up for our beliefs because the world can be manipulating and deceiving.


There are no right or wrong answers really; just different perspectives on things.

Posted by isay viola