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The Influence of Interspecific Competition and Other Factors on the Distribution of the Barnacle (1) In his research study The Influence of Interspecific Competition and Other Factors on the Distribution of the Barnacle, Joseph Connell comes up with empirical proofs that interspecific competition is what actually defines evolutionary dynamics between two subspecies of barnacles - Chthamalus and Semibalanus. Author refers to interspecific competition as such that allows a natural competition, between two analyzed subspecies, to pursue its natural course, without affecting symbiotic processes, associated with such competition. The results of the study allowed author to conclude that: Lower limit of distribution of intertidal organisms is mainly determined by the action of biotic factors, such as competition for space or predation. The upper limit is probably more often set by physical factors (Connell). In other words, Connell suggests that we cannot discuss evolutionary process as such that can only be discussed within the context of survival of the fittest. According to him, this process is much more complex than it is usually assumed; however, survival of the fittest is what actually enables the evolutionary progress to begin in the first place.
When two subspecies that share the same resource manage to limit the levels of competition, it reduces the degree of their susceptibility to the external biological factors. At the same time, it is exactly the same reason why their evolution progress, as species, slows down considerably. Connell's study contains many tables and figures, which are meant to add an academic credibility to the line of his arguments. For example, Table 1 describes experimental area, Figure 2 shows what define a survivability patterns, related to two subspecies of barnacles, during the experiment. Tables 2 and 3 provide us with information in regards to the factors that are being associated with barnacles mortality rate. (2) Despite its scientific complexity, the results of Connell's study correlate with empirical observations of different trends, associated with evolutionary processes that suggest the linear essence of evolution. Even though the subjects of interspecific competition can be described as such that occupy its own biological niche, which increases the chances of their survival, it also reduces their environmental adaptability.
Even today, it is possible to catch trilobites in depths of the ocean. They remain virtually the same, since millions of years ago, when they evolved into new specie. The fact that trilobites were only subjected to interspecific competition prevented them from achieving a greater biological complexity. In fact, they are now being commonly referred to as the dead end of evolution.
The same can be said about the subspecies of barnacles, in Connell's research. In fact, the results of Connell's study also have socio-political applications, because they provide a key to the answer of what might represent the most important factor, which initiates the process of evolutionary recession. If we assume that the results of Connell's research have universal properties, it will become possible for us to tell why technological progress can be closely linked to biological one. In fact, the conclusions of Connell's research support the main suggestions of Social-Darwinism, because is we apply Connell's theory to explain the mechanism of evolution development of humans, it will become clear why some people were able to fly to the moon, why others could never evolve beyond a stone age. Interspecific competition leads to mutualism, parasitism and commercialism. In other words, organisms that are being affected by interspecific competition, become increasingly dependent on biological symbiosis; as such, that enables their physical survival.
In its turn, it reduces their biological complexity and eventually causes such organisms to be associated with the dead end of biological evolution. This is also the reason why ideals of cooperation and communal living, which are now being commonly linked with Communism, especially appeal to primitive tribes. Outline: Summary Criticism
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