Question

1. Why is an understanding of evolutionary biology critical to the study of biotechnology?

Answer 1

1.  The domains of the evolutionary biology and the biotechnology are linked to each other. The work of a bio-technologist requires him to have the knowledge of evolutionary biology, as a bio-technologist improve the already existing organisms. The evolution has led to the selection of the most useful features in different organisms, such as the restriction enzymes, which are used by bio-technologists to cut the DNA at specific paces for their research. These enzymes were originally present in the bacteria as a defense mechanism against the viruses. The knowledge of this evolutionary feature in the bacteria was necessary for a bio-technologist so that he can use it for further research.

2.  The most crucial ethical issue involved with the biotechnological research is the use of living organisms. The biotechnology research involves the modification of the living organisms at a genetic level, which is not always successful. The issues related to the research that the bio-technologists alter with the natural path of the living organisms is the major ethical concern.