I have never been a great adherent of Darwinism and the theory of evolution, although that is not to say that I refute concept that man was placed on planet Earth far later than dinosaurs were. Recent research into Darwin’s theory espouse that evolution takes place not in gradual stages; rather the theory may be rephrased as one of
revolution rather than evolution. Increasingly, scientists believe that a meteor crashed onto the Earth’s surface ten thousand years ago, causing dramatic climatic shifts that transformed the planet to its present day form. It is easy to classify shifts in climate as ‘dramatic’, considering the conventional notion that climatic patterns are not known for its volatility. However, there is evidence to suggest that the shift in climate during the Ice Age was irrevocably modified as a result.
This idea of climatic revolution is one of the main themes of the movie The Day After Tomorrow. In one of the most compelling portrayals of the interplay of geography and politics, floods and snow take centre stage, alongside Pacific Ocean currents and the size of Antarctic land ice. It may well take the genius of a rocket scientist, though most probably that of a climatologist, to identify the factors underpinning the survival of homo sapiens through the Earth’s last known major climatic event.
The resilience of species is certainly not confined to man; koalas in New South Wales face particular danger from the continuous logging of eucalyptus trees for commercial purposes. One such specimen has defied the odds, by virtue of his relatively large size. Measuring about 25 percent larger in weight and height that the average, one such koala adapts itself through rapidly diminishing forest areas, and becomes the subject of a scientific study. On a personal front, my maternal grandfather survived the onset of throat cancer to live what would arguably be the most fruitful years of his life in peace with his Creator.
An interesting documentary has a somewhat peculiar slant against domesticated animals. When discussing the effects of El Nino in Australia, the severe lack of rainfall poses unique challenges to those introduced by European settlers. Goats have been known to sink in the mud while taking a much-needed drink from a drying stream – their hooves do not provide the necessary surface area prevent them from being bogged down in the loose desert soil. In contrast, the native red kangaroos have no such disadvantage.
While it may be somewhat facetious to suggest that indigenous people have rights that others do not, it is perhaps wise to stress the importance of being, and more pertinently, remaining adaptable to one’s environment. The powerful Cuban lobby has much influence in the state of Florida in the United States. The needs of bumiputras in Malaysia are highlighted in Asian media as frequently as those of Japanese rice farmers. While these continue to mould and shape the national and foreign policies of governments all around the world, the willingness for mankind to capitalise on the winds of change is critical for the prevention of getting one’s feet, feathers and head from being stuck in the mud of mediocrity. Singaporeans, likewise, would do well to remain vigilant to all forces, external and internal, commercial and governmental, to continue to shape the future that is their right and their children’s legacy.
