SH+P6+2014+Atavism

Ashley Riopel Mr. Shingler Period 6 25 July 2014 Term: Avatism Studies have shown that Atavism, which is when human traits revert to ancestral traits, have relations to the theory of evolution. The theory of evolution states that humans came from animals, specifically apes. Atavism does not only occur in humans, but in animals too. An article called “How Atavisms Work” states “ Our mammal friend the whale gives us the perfect example of an atavism, a trait from a distant evolutionary ancestor that has reappeared in a modern-day organism” (Lambert 1). This team found a whale with human legs in the ocean, which is proof that the author used to persuade the audience. The authors persuasion affects the historical context because it can prove one side of the theory wrong. The historical events affect the written text because it shows the audience that this could be proof that Atavism is real. This text contains different facts and could make history because it could prove the theory of Atavism and possibly evolution. This text is directed to those who do not believe in this theory, and the secondary audience is those who do believe and want to back these people up. The assumption that can be made about the audience is that they either do not know about atavism or they do not believe in it. The fact that they made this assumption is a strength because then the author can use every fact they have that is persuading to get these people to believe the author. Atavism is a term that does not prove anything, but the author can use different historical events and facts to persuade the audience.

Gabrielle Gagliano Mr. Shingler Period 6 25 July 2014 Term: Atavism Atavism is when human traits revert to ancestral traits. As in having excessive nipples or hair and a possible tail. The author’s purpose is describing how atavism can relate to anyone with animal traits and prove this theory to the audience. It is stated explicitly, as said in the article “In the case of human beings, the presence of a tail is a striking example of such ancestry” (Atavism: Embryology, Development and Evolution Adams 1). The green word that is the strongest in the text is “tail”. The word is repeated numerous times in the text with many explanations about tails. The main purpose is clearly about tails, but the author explains how all humans briefly possess tails while in the uterus. This happens more during normal development, certain fetal cells develop into a tail and then regress as a result of cell death. The author is saying everyone develops the peculiar feature, but it usually falls off. The author also proves this by in the article it says that investigators have identified a gene called Wnt-3a as a principal regulator of this process.

Chase Pike Mr. Shingler Period 6 25 July 2014

Culture: Activism is bringing political or social change by using aggressive tactics. This Strategy is used greatly in the world with all the use of electronics and the internet. “Since the 1990s, there have been growing discussions of internet activism and how new media have been used effectively by a variety of political movements” (Best and Kellner, 2001; Couldry and Curran, 2003). Schools and businesses all over the world are starting to put computers more and more. Instead of using textbooks and paper essays, it is all starting to be typed and turned into teachers electronically. Businesses use email instead of mailing important information to one another and use computers for slideshows as well. People dress differently than before and have different political views or just any viewpoint overall. Culture will always play a key role in activism because of the world many changes as time progresses.

Works Cited Adams, Jill U., and Kenna M. Shaw. "Atavism: Embryology, Development and Evolution." Scitable. Nature Education, n.d. Web. Kahn, Richard, and Douglas Kellner. "New Media and Internet Activism: From the ‘Battle of Seattle’ to Blogging." New Media & Society 6.1 (2004): 87-95. Web. Lambert, Katie. "How Atavisms Work." HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com, n.d. Web. 25 July 2014.