Researchers and engineers have begun to unravel the mysteries of evolution. Yes, we know that DNA changes and favorable mutations are awarded with longer lives and more offspring, but how can scientists tell which evolutionary step was really the best? Computer programs can help to simulate different scenarios but, as many scientists will attest, there is no substitute for the real thing. That is where John Long of Vassar College steps up to the plate. He uses robotics to mimic the movements of species and can change their characteristics ever so slightly to determine exactly what a specific evolution does. These robots can tackle the tough evolutionary questions, not just why the dodo didn’t make it.
Jump
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment