HW #4

1.       There are some similarities between the theory of gravity and the theory of evolution. For each theory they are at this point at commonly well proven theory. We see this based on the fact that through experimentation, we have seen repeated results time after time. This is analogous in each theory because we have empirical evidence that has been tested and proven for both gravity and evolution. There is another similarity between the two theories. They both have evolved (no pun intended) and changed over time. The theory of gravity’s modern day understanding started with observations traced back to Newton going through stages with Einstein and then progressing to the understanding we have of it today. Also both theories follow Occam’s Razor which is the idea that both theories are the simplest explanation for observations.

2.       The closest common ancestors appear to be single celled organisms, usually in the form of bacteria. By studying DNA sequences, we can see commonalities in the genome of species that prove a close relation. We can continue to do this, comparing and contrasting genomes between species. By doing this we can see the evolution's that genetics have gone through over time.

3.       We know the threat of impacts from meteorites and asteroids are real because we as humans have witnessed some of these impacts and the repercussions of them. One example of this is the fireball meteorite that exploded over a forest in Tunguska, Siberia. The energy released from the meteorites is estimated to been equivalent with 200 atomic bombs. We saw in WWII the destruction that just one atomic bomb can have. We have also seen the devastation a meteorite can have by witnessing the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 slam into Jupiter in 1994. The explosion witnessed from Earth was approximately the same size as Earth. There have been more impacts from meteorites since then that have shown that there is definite possibility of devastating meteors striking Earth.