Can evolution expain all traits?

Carroll frequently uses the concepts of "compound interest" and Evo Devo to prove evolution developed all traits we see in nature. However some traits like the flagellum have generated waves of controversy among the scientific community. The flagellum is an irreducibly complex structure such that if any components of the structure were to not have developed the flagellum would not function. However, Darwinian evolution acts on only working traits because traits evolve only in response to previous selection pressures. How would you resolve the issue of irreducibly complex structures using the knowledge gained from Carroll's work?

Detrimental Diseases helping Life pg. 174

According to the book we are currently reading, the sickle cell trait was first discovered in 1910. Later on, an expedition was put under way along the Kenyan cost to try and understand why tribes along the cost had a "20 percent" higher rate of sickle cell anemia then tribes more towards the interior of the land. What Anthony Allison, the scientist working in this expedition, found was that sickle cell anemia actually helps to combat malaria, which was also prevalent at the time. Please provide one example of how such a detrimental disease to humans can actually have some preventative properties. Also, tie into your response the evolutionary outlook that the disease creates for humans.

Treating Cancer

Tumors are the result of mutations in cells: these chance mutations are errors in DNA replication that end up allowing a cell to "proliferate unchecked" (183). The human body is made of trillions of cells, many of which are constantly replaced through life. Since so many cells are regularly being replenished, an occasional mistake should be expected. However, we have many ways of preventing and treating cancer. Besides the use of the ABL-kinase in treating CML tumors, in what other ways do we humans alleviate cancer?

Think not only of technological methods. What does the body itself do that makes it so effective at preventing tumor cells from occurring and proliferating in the first place? (Refer to chapters 16 and 43 on DNA and the Immune System) Keep the theme of regulation in mind as you answer.

Censoring Science

In the "The Commissar of Soviet Biology" section of the book starting on page 219, Carroll describes how the Soviet scientist and political manipulator T. D. Lysenko. This section shows how Lysenko used propaganda and sensationalism to promote scientific discoveries (or falsely represented discoveries) that supported Soviet ideology and needs (such as saying a certain pea crop could survive the winter, but only tested it during one winter which was surprisingly mild).

Expound on this idea of censorship of science by finding a historical example of the stifling or the "editing" science in the United States for ideological or political purposes. Give a summary of what occurred and give your opinion on the events that transpired.

Next, find a historical example where ideological and political forces aided scientific research in the United States. Give a summary of what occurred and give your opinion on the event.

Finally, say whether or not you believe that ideological and political concerns should have an impact on science, along with whether or not the government should be involved with science. Why do you believe this?

Humans Changing Selective Conditions

With the Industrial Revolution in England and North America, the coloration and lichen growth on trees where the peppered moth rests was altered. (Directly from page 52) There was a huge increase in the dark, melanic forms of the moth in these industrial areas and a decrease in the light form. After only 50 years, the frequency of dark form moths increased to 98% in some areas, but after the enactment of clear air laws, the percent of dark melanic moths quickly decreased. This is one example of how humans directly affect the process of natural selection of other species. What effect do humans have on their environment, and how does human involvment change the proccess of evolution and natural selection? Give a couple examples. Do humans have a positive or negative effect on the rest of the environment. Explain.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are amazing places with a colorful variety of species. Discuss the formation of coral reefs and what it is about the coral reefs that allows myriad species to thrive. Describe at least two invertebrates of different phylums and at least one vertebrate that live off of coral reefs. In your description, talk about the specific physical traits of the species and what the species may provide to the coral reefs. ---- see chapter 8 pg. 191

Quotes

Besides introducing the chapter, what is the purpose of using quotations at the beginnings of chapters? What do the quotes tell us? Consider who says the quote and what he/she has done for their field of study. Choose two distinct quotes from the beginnings of chapters to answer the aforementioned questions. Note: as more people reply to this prompt, it will be harder to find an unused quotation.