The article discusses the recent findings of ancient amber stones containing a large number of newly discovered species. The amber excavation in western India resulted in the discovery of over 700 species of ancient insects, arachnids and crustaceans, and many plant, floral and fungal remains. There were over 100 species of insects discovered alone. Researchers estimate that the finding dates back 50 to 53 million years ago. During this time period, India was a lush rainforest similar to the rainforests found in Southeast Asia. Researchers from the US, Germany, and India reported their finds to the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and they found similarities between the new specimens in India and fossils found in Mexico and other areas in Central America. As a result, these new findings have made scientists and historians curious. India was believed to be part of Africa until it split off and eventually collided with Asia to form the Himalayas. Now historians and scientists wonder if there may have been some other geologic scenarios effecting India during the continental shifts millions of years ago.
These new findings may have a great impact on our knowledge of the prehistoric world. The newly discovered species may give us a better understanding about the evolutionary changes in the past 50 million years as well as a better understanding of life itself. The discovery may also lead to a change in theory as to how the super continent Pangaea may have actually split. A final impact of the recent findings in India is that there is still so much in the past that is still waiting to be uncovered. While we certainly have a strong understanding of our past, there remains a massive amount of information still to be explained. The amber discovery in India is proof of that and inspires us to keep looking into the past.
I thought this was a decent article. It gave light to a very interesting discovery about our past. It made the reader curious as to how these recent findings may affect our understanding of the prehistoric world. However, there were a few areas that needed improvement. The article was much too general. I would have liked to know a little bit more about the species discovered. The author could have gone into more detail about a few specific species that carry some interesting traits. I would have also liked to know the names of more of the researchers who came upon this discovery. If such additions were made, this would have been a fantastic article.
posted for B. Davies
This article mainly discusses the unique findings of ancient amber stones that contained large numbers of newly discovered species in western India. By emphasizing the variety and numerous sets of species Bradley does a good job of catching the reader’s attention from early on. From insects to arachnids and crustaceans, plants and floral remains, these hundreds of species make this look as though as it a grand colossal discovery of the scientific world and for the better part it may as well possibly is a great find; or at least that is what Brad makes it seem like. I too believe that Mr. Davies does a good job of trying to explain the information that he read. Clearly and consciously he presents information that leads to curiosity. Information that is vaguely plain but also more importantly directs people to the essence of scientific inquiry. Finally I respect his honesty and his opinions of this article. I believe it is good for scientists to not only look at the concrete world but sometimes follow internal hunches that can lead to incredible findings and advancements for the world of science. Too improve this review I believe that adding in some details about India itself and maybe some past findings could have really aided in reinforcing the effects these finding now are having. Also some outside information, on the names of the researches who came upon this discovery with aid in developing its importance. Overall I enjoyed reading this article from Brad. It informed me on some of the history of the scientific world and the importance of it. By uncovering our past we can further develop our scientific futures. I believe that by interpreting the fossils and stones of yesterday we can not only see the occurrences of the past but also see science at work. The ways the natural science of the world can preserve history and preserve knowledge. Every fossil and every stone we find is not only a reminisce of the past but also and beacon of light for the future in which we can illuminate science and create a better place for us all through knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThe way in which the facts were presented was clear, concise, and very well organized. In that respect, the review was able to create a good summary of the article that would be far easier to understand than the article itself. Another very well presented part of the review was the use of cause and effect. Not only were the facts of the article outlined and presented, but also the significance and effects of the findings were outlined as well. I also believe that the presentation of opinion was very honest and did not hold anything back. This combined with the idea that the opinion wasn’t cliché and didn’t claim to falsely enjoy the article made the review very unique.
ReplyDeleteThese compliments being said, it is clear that there are some things that could be improved. For example, the general unloading of facts onto the reader will indeed “wow” the reader but it sometimes may be too much and can confuse the reader. Another important thing to keep in mind is that it is always more effective to not use up every single piece of information that the article has. This makes sure that even if the review is read first, people will still want to read the article itself.
One very interesting piece of information that I found in the review was exactly how many prehistoric species were found in that piece of amber. It is awe-inspiring to think that over 700 new species were discovered from this one excavation. I don’t know much about the history of discovering species but I’m sure that must be an absolutely extraordinary find. It is always fascinating to learn more about the history of life on our planet.
The review was quite clear in interpreting the evidence provided in the article. It made the information quite understandable. The reviewer presented not only the evidence but also the effects. It depicts what the results of the evidence will be. The information was presented matter-of-factly which helps the reader understand the information more easily. The importance of the research is obvious through the review. Some improvements could be made to the review to make evidence seem more valuable. If the reviewer provided a more substantial background for the research, there would be more validity to the presentation of the research. The review may be too descriptive. Although the information is interesting, it leaves no reason to read the article itself. The information is all “dumped out” without explaining it piece by piece, which makes it a bit confusing. Explaining the evidence as it is presented would help make the review less overwhelming. I enjoyed the article because it of its informative nature. It provided an abundance of research. Its historical context is revealing, and I learned of some history behind the scientific world. The development of scientific research can only occur with a greater understanding of past occurrences. Fossils are vitally important to the continuing understanding of science. Discovering a new species is greatly altering to all previous knowledge of the past. Scientific history is constantly changing as new discoveries are made.
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