Blog Post Module 7: Reflection

    Coming into this class I definitely was not expecting to code or learn in this sort of way. It made me really nervous because as a biology major, I have never had to even look at code before. At the beginning I definitely struggled with the R exercises, but I feel as the weeks go on I get more comfortable using Rstudio. Although I don't feel as intimidated by R anymore, I still have questions about certain codes on our exercises. It is definitely a challenge, but it is a new way of learning for me. 
    Looking back on my first blog post, I related evolution to adaptation and natural selection. Although that response isn't necessarily wrong, I now know it is much more intricate and deeper than that. I basically thought that evolution and natural selection were the same thing, but now I understand that natural selection drives evolution to take place. There are many working parts in order for evolution to occur and one that fascinates me the most is fitness. I have learned a lot about how fitness can also drive the effects of evolution. 
    Again, I am still struggling a little bit with Rstudio, but content related I feel like the most confusing part for me has been learning how mutations come about and why they come about. I know we touched on this, but it is something that intrigues me and still gives me confusion. I understand that mutation can come about to give the organism better fitness, but how does that happen? This is something I am curious about wanting to learn more. 

Comments

  1. Lauren LeikerOctober 14, 2021 at 1:30 PM

    Hi Megan! I also talked about struggling with the R exercise coding in my blog as well. I’m no where near close to call myself a coding profession, but just like you said, the intimidation factor is slowly fading away. I’d like to believe I’m getting better with each exercise we attempt but I agree with you on how its definitely a challenge to complete.

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  2. Caroline GatschetOctober 15, 2021 at 3:26 PM

    Hey Megan,
    I definitely shared your concerns while learning R in the beginning of this class, and likewise, I still struggle a bit with some aspects of the exercises. As a biology major, coding was such a foreign concept, but I'm so glad that it has been incorporated into this class. I feel more confident with my R- skillset each module and look forward to learning more throughout the semester.
    Secondly, I appreciate how you mentioned just how deep and vast the topic of evolution is! At the start of the semester, my concept of evolution was limited to mainly natural selection and mutation; however, like you said, there's sooo much more to it.
    It's awesome to see everyone's critical thinking skills and knowledge of evolution progress. Hopefully, the rest of the semester will be as instructive and innovative as the first half.

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