Research on the finches native to the Galapagos Islands by Charles Essay

Research on the finches native to the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin - Essay Example This research study combined both qualitative and quantitative measures in order to gather data in order to support the concept of allopatric differentiation through the use of genetic analysis, environmental exposure, and behavioral observations. When Darwin was originally studying the species, he hypothesized that at one point there was a singular ancestral specie of finch that were spread out over the island chains through adaptive radiation. As the result of genetic mutation and diversification of the environment, different subspecies of finches developed in order to become adapted to that environment. Due to the fact that there are numerous species of finches that inhabit this isolated island chain, the specifics of taxonomic and evolutionary research have not been conducted. The researchers collected a wide spectral range of data regarding the differences between the species in order to be compared. One of the sets of data involved the recording of the sonic sounds that are cre ated by each distinct species of finch for communication. These vocal patterns were then analyzed by frequency and pitch in order to determine what characteristics were similar and which weren’t for showing evolutionary progress. ... In order to conclude whether there was any significance or validity to the study, statistical tests were used to determine the trends in the data. Some of the results showed that there was no statistical significance such as morphological traits, however there was statistical significance in the analysis of the sonic and genetic factors. The study that was conducted had a thorough way of exploring many of the different features that could impact allopatric differentiation of the species. The reason that finches are such a popular tool for biological study is because they a model organism in biology. This means that the things that are studied about the organism serve as a good model not only for just the study, but can be applied to a broad range of organisms. They are also good because they are a unique species that is native only to the Galapagos Islands, which helps control some diversity factors that could be seen biologically, behaviorally, etc. The scientists took into account not only the possible genetic factors that played a role, but also the role in which the environment played. The wealth and range of the types of data gathered allows the scientists to look on multiple fronts in regards to evolution. One of the problems with the study is that many of the variables that they are looking for cannot be controlled very well and some of the data was only the result of naturalistic observation. Therefore, it would be very difficult for scientists to replicate the studies in a lab for closer examination, lowering the internal validity. In order to gather more data on the study, the scientists should conduct a controlled longitudinal study in order to see how the finches could change over time or see if interbreeding within the populations occur

MSc International Management Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MSc International Management - Dissertation Example Cultural diversity is a trend in the age of globalization. Meanwhile, the demand for localized products is growing. Adaptation is one innovation that global organizations have to apply in their marketing strategies to adjust to cultural differences. McDonald’s UK is the main focus in our study of standardization and adaptation. McDonald’s originally came from the United States. When it penetrates foreign markets, it has to adapt to the cultures of the country of destination. This is what they call adaptation, as opposed to standardization of products. McDonald’s UK suffered rough sailing in the initial stages. Later on, it adapted strategies. How the company did it is a test of the company’s desire to succeed is the primary focus of this paper. There are criticisms that McDonald’s do not apply diversity in its marketing strategy and that as an international organization, it is an agent of globalization. Adaptation is coping with a culture of a count ry where an organization operates. If an organization wants to do business in a country with a different culture, it has to adapt. It always has to cope with the local culture. Cross-cultural aspects affect the people in the organization, including organizational knowledge, marketing, product mix, etc. International organizations have their own way of doing international marketing. Some modify a little of their products and strategies, or adapt to the culture and behavior of the local community. 2. Literature Review A remarkable gap between standardization and adaptation is that it is still one of the controversial issues and has always been a subject of debate among international companies since 1961 (Vignali and Vrontis 1999; Elinder, 1961 cited in Vrontis et al., 2009). To date, international companies still battle over which one to choose. There have been numerous studies conducted on these two subjects but it remains a hot topic for discussion (Vrontis et al., 2009). Vignali an d Vrontis (1999 cited in Vrontis et al., 2009) stated that the debate started as far back as 1961 when advertising was one of the primary topics. Multinational companies wanted to standardize advertising, and to further apply it to other promotional mix and marketing mix. Until now the debate whether to standardize marketing (or to adapt new products) remains a focal point for discussion (Schultz and Kitchen, 2000; Kanso and Kitchen, 2004; Kitchen and de Pelsmacker, 2004; Vrontis et al., 2009). Ryans et al. (2003 cited in Vrontis et al., 2009, p. 478) pointed out that academic research on this subject has covered much of the literature on marketing. They pointed out that because of globalization, there has been a surplus of exports over imports, prompting international companies to minimize cost of production. However, firms realized that it was necessary to answer or meet the needs and wants of consumers. Meeting the needs and wants of customers is a primary marketing strategy of i nternational companies nowadays. A study was conducted by Hite and Fraser in 1988 on whether firms used standardization or adaptation in their international trade and business throughout many countries. The study utilized a sample of 418 Fortune 500 companies, and the findings were varied and, in fact, surprising. The respondents comprised of 66 percent international firms who advertised internationally, but of this percentage, only 8