Improbable+Destinies

In December, I attended the Science Cafe in the Museum of Natural Sciences. Led by Professor Losos, a presentation on evolution was given. The presentation was centered around the argument that if life existed on other planets, it would look like animals on earth. Losos brought the traditional examples created by Darwin, and evidence of short-term evolution found in recent years. In the end, Losos presented his own argument of a humanoid-like creature if life existed elsewhere. His evidence behind his view is featured in his book Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution.

The Science Cafe presentation relates to the APES chapter on evolution. Losos used convergent evolution to support and reject the argument that life on other planets would look like animals on earth. Losos also discussed adaptive changes animals take to better suit themselves for their environment, as well as environmental niches. Although his argument may seem far-fetched, Losos' evidence is based on facts learned from the APES textbook.