Introduction
Genetics deals with the molecular structure of genes which influences the behavior of all living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, plants, and human beings. The concept of genetics has changed over time with key as scientists try to come up with theories to explain where living organisms, plants, and animals get their character traits from.
The concept of blending inheritances was popular in early eighteenth century as scientists tried to come up with research to explain genetics. It asserts that individuals obtain both characteristic of parents in their genetic make up (Weiss & Bachanan, 2004).
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposing that an individual inherits traits through experience after watching his or her parents behavior. The concept of acquired inheritance characteristics was disapproved after researchers discovered that even organism raised out of their natural environment still had same character traits as their parents.
Mendel’s Classical Genetics
Mendel's work become popular after his death. He was able to mathematically prove inheritance patterns was particulate and not acquired (Weiss & Buchanan, 2002).
Eruption of Mt. St. Helens
Occurred in 1980 at Washington State in USA where a volcanic eruption led to destruction and death of living organisms.
Nature of Volcanic Mountains
Volcanic mountain form when materials in the interior of the earth (magma) come to the surface of earth (Carson, 2002).
The volcanic eruption caused flattening of the mountain which was close to ten thousand feet by more than 1000 ft. high. The tension below the mountain causes volcanic material to erupt causing build up of material above the mountain. Magma is distinguishes the type of vulcanic mountain with their pH resulting in Acidic or Basic volcanic Mountains.
Social and Historical Context
The event marked one of the most destructive in the last ten decades. 57 people were killed, 200 houses destroyed, and transportation structures destroyed (Carson, 2002). This was compounded by indirect effects such as unemployment, and displacement of people and animals.
