Chapter 7- Adventures in Bodybuilding

Chapter 7 focused on the origins of the human body and was very informative in describing its connections that traces back to billions of years ago. Our bodies are full of cells that communicate with each other in order to build the body together, such as how cells form bones. I also learned that cells are brought together by many different molecules and with that, our bodies are crafted with something that starts off as so small and imperfect to create and transform into something so big. An example of this is when Shubin described the experiment that pushed a single-cell organism to trasform into eight cells by introducing it to a predator in the body. Throughout Shubin's explanation of the development of the body, I especially liked that he directly explained in a way that answered all my questions and as a result, I was not as confused as I used to be reading the earlier chapters. Towards the end of the chapter, Shubin wrapped up in a summary of explaining the theory that scientists believe of why humans came so late in the Earth's history. The time line showing today from 4.5 billion years ago was interesting to see how long time took from developing the first body to now seeing creatures that have drastically evolved. This chapter really shook up the way I thought about biology in general, and I'm glad to be a little bit challenged with the ideas and theories because it makes me so much more intrigued in the study and learning more!