Question

In evolutionary terms, can we say which among bacteria, spiders, fish, and chimpanzees have ‘better’ body design? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Hint: Evolution is the process of development of different species starting from a single species in the past. The evolution cannot be equated with the progress in modifications. It is not always true that the more evolved species have a better design. Every organism is developed to fit in their required habitats.

Complete answer:
Evolution is the process of modifications added to the developing species starting from a single species in the past. The changes seen in inheritable characteristics over successive generations are the consequences of evolution. With progress in evolution, the internal organs as well as the outer appearance of the species differentiate and get more complex. The complex body designs take over the additional functions in the organisms to sustain better survival conditions. However, this complexity is not always better as compared to the simpler body designs. Simple organisms can be as efficient as complex organisms. This can be understood by taking the example of bacteria. The bacteria are the simplest organisms as compared to spiders, fish, and chimpanzees. Despite their very simple and primitive body design, they are omnipotent. They can be found in hot springs, ice-cold polar regions, deep layers of oceans, etc. They can survive the harshest conditions which are not tolerable by another complex organism. They are resistant to various dangerous factors. Another special feature is the restriction mechanism seen in bacteria. They degrade the viral genome that enters their body with the help of enzymes. This restricts viral infection. Also, bacteria are very adaptive and can undergo sudden mutations that make them fittest to survive the harsh conditions. Spiders, fishes, and chimpanzees have their own characteristic features that make them suitable to survive in their habitats. The spiders have the characteristic property to knit webs and feed on a variety of insects. The chimpanzees can climb the trees to get safety from their predators and can have the benefit of eating fruits from higher plants. The fishes can survive in water. They have gills that make them very different from spiders, bacteria, and chimpanzees. Each of the given organisms is a different breach of evolution. Therefore, we cannot say that one of these has a ‘better’ body design as compared to the other.

Note: The notion that the more complex the body design, the more the better design is not justifiable. The evolutionary process takes into account the most efficient, suitable, and fittest body design development. This leads to the development of organisms adapted to their particular niches or habitats.