Introduction
This paper will explore the evolution of bacteria and their peculiarities. To begin with, it will be essential to consider the paper’s title and its components and define each concept. Evolution occurs within a population where genes are constantly changing throughout generations.
In the book Evolution: What Everyone Needs to Know, author Robin Dunbar describes the opinion of Ukrainian-American biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky, who states that all that surrounds people evolves. It refers to the planet Earth, the solar system, or the entire universe (Dunbar 8). Therefore, this principle also applies to the ancestors of all living things on the planet, bacteria.
The bacterium’s evolution is an intriguing process of several billion years (Esposti 1). During its development, the bacterium adapted to the changing conditions of life on planet Earth and developed new survival skills. The following paragraphs will explore the features of the evolution of bacteria.
Discussion
Peculiarities of Unicellular and Anaerobic Bacteria and Their Evolution
To understand the evolution of bacteria, one needs to study the planet’s history over billions of years. Even the work of Charles Darwin, a pioneer in the theories of evolution, covers only the past billion years, which is not enough to understand the life of bacteria (Rampelotto 1). About 3 billion years ago, the first living organisms appeared on Earth (Rampelotto 1). Notably, their survival abilities were unique, allowing them to adapt to the harsh conditions on the planet.
One unique example of this ability is unicellular and anaerobic bacteria. Their unique feature is the ability to exist without consuming oxygen (Esposti 4). Instead, these bacteria use carbon dioxide and nitrogen to obtain and convert energy for their bodies (Esposti 3).
Another feature of unicellular and anaerobic bacteria is their ability to reproduce quickly. In particular, binary fission has become a vital element for the survival of these bacteria. It allows bacteria to split instantly into several separate parts (Esposti 3). The above characteristics confirm the first bacterium’s high survival rate and ability to evolve further.
Exciting Abilities of Bacteria That It Developed During Its Evolution
The bacterium acquired unique abilities to adapt to the environment during its evolution. In particular, these organisms have found ways to replace and process the energy and resources they need to survive. One such example is an adaptation to an area with insufficient H2 (Esposti 9). As a result, bacteria have developed a mechanism of energy conservation called flavin-based electron bifurcation (Esposti 9).
This adaptation tool is a typical example of how primitive organisms have tried to convert the planet’s resources for their use. Since the first bacteria lived deep underground, their resources for life energy were limited (Dunbar, 12). However, bacteria have appeared on the planet’s surface over the years.
Thankfully, it became a new energy conversion method, one of which is photosynthesis (Dunbar 13). It allows living organisms to obtain solar energy and convert it into a resource for their needs. It is noteworthy that the bacterial abilities highlighted above are only a few of the many approaches bacteria have developed during their evolution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it will be necessary to stress that to understand the uniqueness and complexity of bacterial evolution, one needs to look at their multi-billion-year history. I chose this topic to immerse myself in studying the emergence of life on planet Earth. It was interesting for me to look at the characteristics of the first living organisms, their adaptability, and the way they reproduced. From the point of view of the science of biology, I have gained essential experience regarding the background of life on Earth and also got acquainted with various scientists whose theories and works have become an essential source of information for this paper.
Works Cited
Dunbar, Robin. Evolution: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press, 2020.
Esposti, Mauro. Phylogeny and Evolution of Bacteria and Mitochondria. CRC Press, 2018.
Rampelotto, Pabulo. Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Evolution. Springer International Publishing, 2018.