The Theory of Symbiosis

 

The theory of symbiosis is a theory of evolution that seeks to show how the prokaryotic organisms developed from eukaryotic cells. It proposes that this development took place following the symbiosis of the organelles that distinguished the eukaryote cells (Martin, Garg & Zimorski, 2015). This theory further states that mitochondria, plastids, and other organelles that seem to have undergone endosymbiosis while they were essentially prokaryotes that essentially were free-living. A result of this situation is that mitochondria seem to be related to Rickettsialles proteobacteria, and plastids such as chloroplasts seem to be related to nitrogen-fixing filamentous cyanobacteria. One of the biggest supporting evidences concerning the theory of symbiosis is that new mitochondria tend to form only through binary fission, and this is especially considering that cells cannot create new plastids. Moreover, the theory suggests that porins, which are essentially transport proteins, can be found in the outer membranes of bacterial cell membranes, mitochondria, and chloroplasts; showing a common origin of these organisms. Finally, evidence shows that some mitochondria and plastids have certain DNA molecules that are extremely similar to the DNA contained in bacteria; further advancing the theory of symbiosis (Morelli & Rosano, 2016).

Weaknesses

One of the most significant weaknesses of this theory is the claim stating that circular mitochondria DNA is similar to the binary fusion found in bacteria. An important difference is that the most pertinent components tend to be more eukaryotic in form than prokaryotic, which is in addition to the fact that replication is different between mitochondrial DNA and bacterial DNA. Moreover, despite their being enclosed in a double membrane, the structures of bacteria and mitochondria are essentially different and this is to such an extent that when antibiotics are administered, they end up in a situation where they are better able to distinguish between the mitochondrial and bacterial membranes (Harish & Kurland, 2017). This is an important factor because it shows that membranes are structurally different, meaning that the theory of symbiosis is disproved. One of the biggest arguments made by proponents of the symbiotic theory is that mitochondria and bacteria share similar characteristics, especially when it comes to size and shape. However, findings show that mitochondria have more of a bacillus shape and are not spherical as initially assumed.

Strengths

The biggest strength of the theory of symbiosis is that it advances the theory of evolution. This is especially considering that it advances the theory, proposed by Charles Darwin, of natural selection. The symbiotic relationship between cells and organisms seems to have played a role in the evolution of diverse organisms because many of them ended up coming together to advance certain characteristics. The theory of symbiosis also shows that organisms, which developed as a result of the symbiotic relationship, ended up in a situation where they not only grew apart, but in some instances came together in order to ensure their own survival (Booth, 2014). Only the strongest were able to make sure that they passed on their DNA to future generations, while at the same time advancing a situation where they either out-competed other species, or were able to avoid extinction.

Fishing in the Hebrides

 The Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland comprises of a number of islands over a widespread area with a lot of potential for both fresh and sea water fishing. They have flat sandy surf beaches where different species of fish hunt for food especially worms and crabs. The fish such as the native brown trout can easily be found in both still and running water. This makes it a perfect place for a fishing trip because it is a guarantee that one will not leave it without at least several fish biting his hook. The serene nature of the environment of the Hebrides offers a great location for the perfect fishing experience. The specific location for fishing is very wide and varied and the person wishing to fish would be spoiled for choice. With over six thousand lochs to choose from, it is truly a fishing paradise.

Fishing in the Hebrides is essentially private because there are very few people around to disturb a peaceful fishing and one can spend a whole day without seeing anyone. This gives the person an opportunity to concentrate on his fishing and fully enjoy the wildlife and the stunning scenery that can be found only in these islands. There are many opportunities to fish but in most cases, one requires a fishing permit in order to get to catch some protected fish species. Such permits can be easily acquired and if one is a stranger in the region, he can get all the information on how to get the permit from the local hotel or inn in which he is staying. The large number of lochs to choose from also encourages one to go out and explore the various environments in which he can fish making it a trip full of discovery and adventure.

The water in the islands is so clear that the smaller fish and occasional large fish can be seen swimming in the depths. These islands are reputed to have some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the whole of Europe and quite possibly in the world. There is an abundance of freshwater fishes such as brown and sea trout, salmon, and Arctic char. Some species of these fishes such as brown trout and Atlantic salmon, whose populations have dwindled elsewhere, can still be found in large numbers in the Hebrides. The lack of fish farms in the area has kept the gene pool of the local fishes pure and as a consequence their populations have been maintained or increased in some cases. This is a wonderful opportunity for those seasoned fishermen who have specific conditions for the fish they would like to bait.

The Hebrides are some of the best places for fishing in the world and it is one of those places where a serious fish fanatic would love to visit. It not only provides the fishing experience but also offers wonderful scenery which would be a loss it not fully explored by the person on a fishing trip.

Saving the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee

It is a fact that in the modern world, there has been an increase in the number of endangered and extinct species of animals, plants, and insects. This has come about mainly as a consequence of human activities, which have made it extremely difficult for local ecosystems to survive or function efficiently. It is essential to note that in the modern world, cases of endangered species have become so common that there are efforts aimed at reversing this trend. One of the most significant of the species that are endangered in the modern world are the local populations of bumblebees, which are extremely pertinent to the sustenance of the native plant species. The introduction of foreign species of bumblebees, which are rapidly taking over the natural habitat of the native species has essentially reduced the range of the latter to such an extent that they are losing the competition for resources. This consideration is pertinent to the conservation effort because it shows the manner through which commercial activities have ended up creating a negative environment for native bumblebee species. This post addresses the efforts aimed at saving the rusty-patched bumblebee and the methods that can be used to make this process possible.

It is currently a well-known fact that numerous bumblebee species native to North America are under threat of extinction. A diversity of hypotheses have been brought forwards to explain the reasons behind this regression among which is the restructuration of agriculture; a process that involves the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in crops, especially legumes. Additionally, there has been the suggestion that the fragmentation of land has also played a role in the promotion of the regression of various bumblebee species because this process is one that affects wide areas across the continent. Also, there has been the consideration of the role of climate change in sealing the fate of bumblebees to such an extent that these species have essentially come to be devastated by the activities of man as the latter release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Thus, lower numbers of bumblebees have been seen in recent years and the fact that some species are no longer being seen is a matter of concern which has to be addressed through effective action aimed at saving the native bumblebee species. These efforts have the potential of making sure that the rusty patched bumblebee, which is responsible for the pollination of most of the crops across the United States, is saved from extinction.

One of the most important steps that can be taken in the process of saving the rusty patched bumblebee is the reduction of the use of harmful pesticides. This is extremely important because bumblebees tend to end up being victims of scenarios where pesticides kill large numbers of them; resulting in the reduction of their population. Bumblebees are especially prominent when it comes to the manner through which native plants are pollinated. Therefore, they are necessary when it comes to the maintenance of agricultural productivity as well as the promotion of ecosystems that are healthy. The reduction of pesticide use can be extremely beneficial for this species because it provides them with the means through which to gain a stable food supply while at the same time making sure that they conduct their natural functions. Furthermore, the survival of the bumblebee, as a native species, has the advantage of making sure that native plant life is also made sustainable to such an extent that they are also saved from extinction. However, in order to ensure that there is the effective achievement of pesticide reduction in agricultural production, there is the need for there to be strict federal regulations aimed at providing protection for the rusty patched bumblebee species to such an extent that their survival is guaranteed while at the same time preventing farmers from undertaking actions that may imperil them. Therefore, it is likely that laws that prevent negative pesticide use could not only save the rusty-patched bumblebees, but also other bumblebee species as well.

The prevention of the importation of foreign bumblebee species could also work in favor of the rusty-patched bumblebees. The fact that many of the foreign bumblebees, like any invasive species, tend to have a negative effect on the local ecosystem requires that there is a reduction of their prevalence in the country. This is especially the case when it comes to the manner through which they will only focus on the pollination of plants that are native to their own native land to the detriment of the local plants. It is also pertinent to note that with the proliferation of foreign species of bumblebees, imported for use in greenhouses, it becomes difficult for the rusty-patched bumblebee to survive because of the considerable competition, and as a consequence, the range of the latter is greatly reduced. Therefore, there is the need to ensure that there is a total ban on the importation of foreign bumblebee species in such a way that provides for the repopulation of the rusty-patched bumblebee. The latter process will be beneficial to the native plant life and in turn the animal life because it ensures their diversity in reproduction and health. There should also be a process where there is the promotion of awareness concerning the efficiency of rusty-patched bumblebees when it comes to the pollination of commercially viable crops such as tomatoes and peppers, among others. In this way, there will be a process within which to promote the keeping of this species of bumblebees by farmers in order to allow for the expansion of their range.