Sunday, September 15, 2019

Arts1301 – Evidence and Methodology in Darwin’s Origin of the Species

Critically assess the roles of evidence and methodology in Darwin’s argument for natural selection in Chapter 4 of the Origin of Species. Darwin’s argument for natural selection in Chapter Four of ‘The Origin of Species’ is well-founded and convincing, due to the interweaving of both evidence and the methodology, which is of particular importance since this is the constituent upon which he represents his research data (evidence) and forms the basis of his argument.His theory is distinct from the others in the period, although similar ideas such as transmutation and extinction of species had been circulating while he fashioned his theory (and he does modify and incorporates some of these theories), Darwin’s uniqueness is likely a result of his ‘deviating’, attractive style of writing which provides a detailed, wide-ranging ‘complete package’ explanation of his theory founded upon common undisputable facts, whereas many previo usly proposed theories lacked evidence and less prominent arguments or methods of communication, therefore subject to criticism and sparking debate with the public and religious conservatives.In regards to the methodology Darwin uses, the hypotheses and concepts he forms for his argument are established from observations made by other experts, as well as ‘thought experiments’ and also his own experiments to test his predictions, justifying his conclusions both through an inductive and deductive method using secondary and primary sources of evidence. Throughout the chapter (Chapter 4: Natural Selection; or survival of the fittest), Darwin mainly relies on the observations of other experts in the field, such examples from the Sexual Selection subchapter, in which the observations of Sir R. Heron on the female peacock’s attraction of male counterparts and M.Fabre observing certain insects that â€Å"have been seen to fight for a particular female, †¦ (who) the n retires with the conqueror† [1] supports his argument/hypothesis (the ‘victor’ or the best adapted in terms of attracting or fighting through natural selection, is â€Å"always allowed to breed† [2] in this particular section, asserting â€Å"Thus it is, as I believe, †¦, have been mainly caused by sexual selection† [3], demonstrating his inductive methods to back his hypothesis. Furthermore, the evidence he draws from expert sources also support his argument and their status within the scientific community assists in persuading readers. Additionally, the observations which Darwin uses are relatively ordinary and commonplace, for example the aforementioned sexual selection example, to both the amateurs in the field, that is, the general public (E. g. he lower class; farmers and breeders) as well as the respective professionals thus allowing both parties in the audience to understand and encourage his argument further. Note that the ‘usua l’ means of providing evidence was through the Scientific Method, in use 200 years before Darwin, validates the hypothesis by designing a suitable experiment for testing, a deductive approach, so Darwin’s slightly aberrant inductive approach was to rationalise the empirical data to fit his argument. The prominence and influence of his inductive methodology are emphasised in his observations while visiting the Galapagos Islands, in particular of a collection of finches â€Å"which was in fact a closely related group of distinct species, all similar except for their bills† [4].On examining the disparate use of the beak and food sources, Darwin asserts that natural selection had shaped â€Å"one species has been taken and modified for different ends†[5] and the inductive process in which arrives at his hypothesis is recurrent and persists in many (modern) secondary sources* describing Darwin’s theory. Apart from pure inductive reasoning from the obser vations of other experts, Darwin also justifies a number of his conclusions utilising deductive methods, a more conformed ‘scientific-method’ approach where hypotheses are tested, somewhat a reverse of inductive methods, consequently resulting in a very thorough examination of his hypotheses which are supported by a ‘cycle’ in which of inductive evidence supporting his postulate which in turn is backed by deductive evidence. As B.Runnegar advocates, â€Å"Natural selection, amazingly was simply developed from fabricated evidence† [8], Darwin does indeed take various accounts of ‘fabricated evidence’, that is, his ‘thought experiments’, in his argument, which display both inductive and deductive reasoning. One instance of this is seen in the observation of insects seeking plant nectar [9]. Darwin through research and observation proposes hypothetically (induction) that plants which excreted the most nectar, would most often b e visited by insects transporting the pollen, and most likely cross to give rise to various seedlings thus having the best chance of surviving. He then deductively proceeds to test his hypothesis by examining ale and female holly-trees, showing even in unfavourable weather conditions, female flowers rendered highly attractive by bees had been fertilised, before returning to a hypothetical, imaginary case where with different environmental conditions some species of bees may have adapted to collecting pollen, seen having a â€Å"differently constructed proboscis† [10] from certain types of flowers in the country. The inductive and deductive methods involved in demonstrating the separation of sexes, supports this single â€Å"doctrine of natural selection† [11] through detailed evidence and precise illustrations and explanations. Furthermore, ‘thought experiments’ analogous to the aforementioned example in the previous paragraph, are influential in his argum ent as they build upon prior accepted theories and theory loaded facts, allowing a deductive argument from the grounds that the assertions cannot be false, removing doubt and scepticism associated with certain hypotheses.In the subchapter ‘Extinction caused by natural selection’ leading onto the next subchapter ‘The probable effects of the action of natural selection through divergence of character and extinction, on descendants of a common ancestor’, Darwin alludes to the commonly accepted fact that extinction did occur, and provides a meticulous hypothesis on how extinction transpires with the aid of a diagram displaying the divergence of a particular species with each successive generation while in a previous subchapter, he suggests that man’s ‘artificial’ selection in breeding is comparable to natural selection rhetorically asserting â€Å"No one objects to agriculturists speaking of the potent effects of man’s selection† [12], and supposes in a hypothetical ‘thought experiment’ that men in different nations bred for swifter and stronger/bulkier horses, thus creating two sub-breeds, and over time horses neither swift nor strong, thus not used for breeding, would tend to disappear. By means of the diagram, he portrays the divergence of a certain species, a horse in this case, over time branching out to multiple descent species (in the case of horses, swifter/stronger characteristics) meanwhile showing another branch leading to the extinction of the less desired characteristics (slower, smaller horses for example). Hence, Darwin integrates an established theory into his hypothesis, which strengthens his argument into a presumably well founded, structured, persuasive argument since theories or facts with ‘prior commitments’ will have an implicit authority when the hypothesis is judged.Darwin’s theory of natural selection, like any other theory was subject to criticism s and tests to assess the plausibility of his hypotheses though he addresses, modifies and explains aspects of his hypothesis to produce a firm, comprehensive argument. With regards to the ‘Scientific Method’, â€Å"Howard E. Gruber, in his book ‘Darwin on Man’, sets out to argue that Darwin by 1838 had already deduced a hypothesis from the observations of previous years – except that his hypothesis was wrong. Thus, Darwin kept following a self-corrective path, tweaking ideas or throwing them out entirely† [13], hence portrays the significance of the methodology where a hypothesis is corrected until deemed satisfactory and corresponds with the evidence.There are many instances of Darwin addressing criticisms from other experts, (although these are in later editions of his book), one such example where â€Å"Mr H. C. Watson thinks I have overrated the importance of divergence of character †¦ convergence has likely played a part† [14 ] to which he responds â€Å"It would in most cases, be extremely rash to attribute convergence a close and general similarity of structure †¦ The shape of a crystal is determined solely by the molecular forces, and it is not surprising that dissimilar substances should sometimes assume the same form† using a deductive example, thus counteracting scepticism from experts in the field, consequently further supporting his various hypotheses in his argument for natural selection.Additionally, Darwin’s ability to account for possible objections to his hypothesis, evident in the ‘On the degree to which organisation tends to advance’ subchapter in which he conflicts with Lamarck’s belief that nature tended to absolute perfection in organic beings, questioning â€Å"how is it that †¦ a multitude of the lowest forms still exist †¦ Why have not the more highly developed forms †¦ exterminated the lower? † [15] and postulates that â⠂¬Å"natural selection †¦ does not necessarily include progressive development †¦ takes advantage of variations †¦ beneficial to each creature† [16], thus his remarks positively alter how the audience would judge and interpret the outcome of the hypothesis by backing his assertions with extensive evidence.Darwin knew if â€Å"he was to avoid the ridicule experienced by the writers of previous evolutionary tracts, he needed to put forward a rigorously tested theory† [17], and the all-encompassing research and evidence together with a range of refined methodological approaches allows the presentation of a well-founded argument that alters the thinking of the public in Darwin’s time, due to â€Å"Such confidence in his own ideas, use of large numbers of familiar examples, and presentation of theory in opposition to an alternative, made many a convert in his day, and is still as powerful today. † [18] References: [1],[2], [3] : Darwin, C. D. , 18 59. The Origin of Species. 5th ed. United Kingdom: John Murray. Sexual Selection subchapter. [4], [5] : Evidence for Evolution (Page 5). 2011. Evidence for Evolution (Page 5). [ONLINE] Available at: http://txtwriter. com/backgrounders/evolution/EVpage05. html. [Accessed 30 September 2011]. [6] Darwin's Finches & Natural Selection – Biology Online. 2011. Darwin's Finches & Natural Selection – Biology Online. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. biology-online. org/2/11_natural_selection. htm. [Accessed 03 October 2011]. [7] Darwin's Finches, Decent with Modification and Natural Selection. 2011. Darwin's Finches, Decent with Modification and Natural Selection. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www. fossilmuseum. et/Evolution/DarwinsFinches. htm. [Accessed 03 October 2011]. [8] : Natural Selection, Then and Now. 2011. Natural Selection, Then and Now. [ONLINE] – Article. Available at: http://www. darwinthenandnow. com/2011/02/natural-selection-then-and-now/#more-2551. . [A ccessed 01 October 2011]. [9],[10], [11], [12] : Darwin, C. D. , 1859. The Origin of Species. 5th ed. United Kingdom: John Murray. – Natural Selection subchapter. [Accessed 01 October 2011]. [13] : – . Darwin's Methodology. Darwin‘s Method: Induction, Deduction, or Synthesis? , 1, 10 pages. [Accessed 01 October 2011]. [14] : Darwin, C. D. , 1859. The Origin of Species. 5th ed. United Kingdom: John Murray. Convergence of Character subchapter. [Accessed 01 October 2011]. [15], [16] : Darwin, C. D. , 1859. The Origin of Species. 5th ed. United Kingdom: John Murray. – Divergence of Character subchapter. [Accessed 01 October 2011]. [17], [18] : Science and Politics . 2011. Science and Politics . [ONLINE] Available at:http://sciencepolitics. blogspot. com/2004/12/wwdd-i-darwinian-method. html. [Accessed 02 October 2011]. Bibliography: Early Theories of Evolution: Darwin and Natural Selection. 2011. Early Theories of Evolution: Darwin and Natural Selection. [ONLI NE] Available at:http://anthro. palomar. edu/evolve/evolve_2. htm. [Accessed 29 September 2011].Natural Selection: Charles Darwin & Alfred Russel Wallace. 2011. Natural Selection: Charles Darwin & Alfred Russel Wallace. [ONLINE] Available at:http://evolution. berkeley. edu/evolibrary/article/history_14. [Accessed 29 September 2011]. Inductive and deductive reasoning. 2011. Inductive and deductive reasoning. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. molwick. com/en/scientific-methods/024-reasoning. html. [Accessed 30 September 2011]. Sir Karl Popper â€Å"Science as Falsification,† 1963. 2011. Sir Karl Popper â€Å"Science as Falsification,† 1963. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www. stephenjaygould. org/ctrl/popper_falsification. html. [Accessed 01 October 2011].

Dc V. Heller Essay

Winter Honors Civics & Economics B-1 Case name: DC V. Heller A controversial topic came about in the year of 2008. It was concerning whether or not DC’s gun law was following along the lines of the Second Amendment Rights. A man by the name of Dick Anthony Heller was a special police officer and had gone in to register for a handgun for his home. The true underlying issue was whether or not the rights were protected under the Second Amendments which states: The right to bear arms. The uprising stipulation in the District of Columbia is that they have a state law that concerns the registration of a handgun. When looking into further depth of the law the following things must be adhered to in the stipulations of having a hand gun. It states that in order to have a registered handgun it must be â€Å"†¦unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger unless they are being used for lawful recreational activities or located in a place of business. â€Å"DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v. HELLER. † n. pag. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 24 Jan 2013. ) When the case was first taken up before it came to the Supreme Court, in the lower court system the verdict was dismissed until it was later reversed. The two court systems that herd the case before the Supreme Court were the Courts of Appeals and the district court. The arraignments for the plaintiff were; Dick Anthony Heller was dismissed for another four years until it was taken up again. In the arraignments for the Defendants â€Å"†¦DC found that the challenge to the constitution and its validity was without merit †¦Ã¢â‚¬  It seems as if they were trying to throw salt on the technicality of what the Constitution says in Amendment two and the right to bear arms. In the end what the plaintiff really wanted were his rights to be acknowledged, being that it’s in the constitution and he was a police officer at the time. As well as he wants to be able to have a gun in his house for protection as most people would want. In the lower court systems had voted against what the plaintiff had brought forth as evidence. When it was finally hear in the Supreme Court the case was ruled in favor of the plaintiff. Justice Stevens wrote majority of the decision by stating that the Second Amendment is given to everyone that is a citizen of the United States and that right can’t be taken away to a certain extent. There were concurrent opinions that were made by Justice Stevens who said if things are within our rights then we should be able to obtain them and use them to the fullest extent of our abilities. District of Columbia v. Heller a? â€Å" Case Brief Summary. † Lawnix Free Case Briefs RSS. N. p. , Fall 2008. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. ) The dissenting arguments of opinion came from Stephen Breyer, who stated that the second amendment is only for militia related ordeals and not a matter of being used as self defense. Heller at the time was a special police officer so therefore it was really questionab le on why the lower court verdict had made such a big deal out of the entire situation. The majority opinion was in favor of the plaintiff who wanted to register for a hand gun in the first place for the protection of his home. The importance of the case was that a man was being withheld his legal rights that are stated under the second amendment. It showed as well that a state law can be overturned by a higher government system. This case specifically was a major part of the Constitution because it showed a prime example of states trying to withhold the rights that we have as citizens. It brings light to the different things that certain state governments try to bring down and cover up.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Death of a Best Friend

It was In a sixth grade classroom with about twenty strangers, where I learned my best friend would not return to school. The sun glaring through the window nearly blinded me as I turned away from the class to hide my tears. Facing away from the quiet room, still knew everyone's eyes were fixed on the teacher as they waited on her to say something else. After sitting in silence for what seemed like forever, the class turned their attention to the school guidance counselor frantically rushing Into the room.I kept my position toward the window until she hurried over to my desk and told me my parent's were there to check me out of school. It was the most unusual feeling I had ever felt. I had been to a few funerals before and I had even lost both of my grandparent's, but losing Alison was different; it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It seemed so unreal because Just the day before I was sitting in the same seat talking to her. How strange it is that someone can be so full of life, but in Just a short moment God can take them away.In that one short moment I lost so much. I lost the person I could confide In, the first person I told my secrets to, and the one I could be my complete self around. Friends like Alison do not come along everyday. On August 16th, 2006, only the third day at my new school, I found out how strange death is. Though some may not understand because they have never experienced it, the death of a best friend is easily the most painful feeling; it is an experience full of mixed emotions and countless life changing realizations.On that third morning of school, our teacher, Ms. Andy, calmly announced to the class that Alison was in a wreck on the way to school. The only thing I could think about was how mad I had been at my parent's for not allowing me to ride to school with Alison and her brother. The entire school, which could not have been more than here hundred people, met In the gym to pray. Mr.. Skipper, our headmaster, prayed int o the microphone, but while he spoke I did not listen; I prayed a special prayer of my own. After Mr..Skipper said â€Å"Amen,† he proceeded to tell us Alison had to be flown to Birmingham. I knew that meant she was seriously Injured. Then, the bell rang and silently walked to break with some girls Alison Introduced me to. While I sat at the table attempting to eat my breakfast, I could not help noticing the teachers crying. With hope that they were not crying about Alison, I walked nervously to the classroom after the second bell rang. I slowly returned to my seat, where I would soon learn that when Allison helicopter reached the hospital. He was pronounced dead. Seven years ago on August 16th, my life was forever changed. Alison was the type of person that had that effect on people; she made an impact on so many people's lives even before her death. She began to influence my life the day I met her in pre-school and has continued to Influence me after that atrocious day. Ali son taught me so much, but the most precious thing being what a true friend is. Alison was the type of friend hat told me what I needed to know regardless of whether I wanted to hear it or not.She was someone who never got on my nerves even after being together for days. She was the first person I would go to when I made plans, needed someone to talk to, or needed to be cheered up. Alison not only showed me what to look for In a friend, but she also taught me how to be a good friend. Soon after she died, her death 1 OFF away from Him, but when I miss Alison I pray. On earth and in Heaven, Alison has brought me closer to God. Losing her was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it made the most important difference in my life.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Understanding Business and Management Research Methods Coursework - 1

Understanding Business and Management Research Methods - Coursework Example When choosing a model, it is critical to know the theory being applied. Studies indicate that, behind every method, there is always a theory. This paper will discuss the three business and management research methods. The paper will start with the introduction, and then literature review, then analysis and evaluation of different methodological approaches, and finally highlight the main findings. In any research, it is always recommended to choose a single paradigm (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) for a research work (Anderson, 2009). The selection is based on the pragmatic choices which are time, skills, and overall size of the project. The research methods are based on differences in the nature of reality, relationships to that being researched, role of values, use of language, and overall process of research (Bellamy, 2012). Research methodology is what constitutes a research activity. Bowerman (2013) distinguishes the three research designs as follows Quantitative research: This design is useful for exploring and understanding the meaning behind problems. Data is collected on the participants setting, and the researcher makes interpretation of the data collected (Bowerman, 2013). Quantitative research: The researcher tests theories by examining the relationship amongst variables that can be measured on an instrument to allow numbered data to be analysed using statistical procedures (Bowerman, 2013). Mixed methods: This design combines both qualitative and quantitative forms of research. It concerns the application of qualitative and quantitative methods in tandem, to allow the strength of the study to be greater than either a qualitative and quantitative approach (Bowerman, 2013). When undertaking a business research, a combination of different types and sources of data is required to derive strong findings. The types of data are qualitative and quantitative, and the types of sources are primary and secondary sources (Harwell,

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Women's rights in Iraq Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Women's rights in Iraq - Essay Example Girl’s school initiated a series of modifications and deep-seated progress in the lifestyle of literate urban Jewish women throughout the earlier part of the twentieth century. These encouraging changes integrated Jewish women, primarily in the central urban cities; nevertheless, they did not revolutionize the social status of Jewish women as a self-aware, united, and completely formed group (Sehayek, 2004). Moreover, these women fell short to interpret their personal accomplishments into a well worked out and important social occurrence, nor could they change the standpoint of male society surrounding them, or gain acknowledgment as an independent and equal social entity (ibid). The modifications in the life of Babylonian Jewish women should be investigated against the perspective of the subordinate and restricted status of their Muslim, or non-Jewish counterparts. One must take into account the factors that affected their lives and formed their self-identity, namely the domestic tradition and customs and social conditions of the Jewish and non-Jewish context (Reinhart, 2004). There is a dearth in literature discussing about the lives of Iraqi Jewish women. This was because of their imprisonment to domestic responsibilities or household chores, and to insufficient familiarization to the outside world. Travel brochures and journals relate extremely insignificant information about the rights and status of women in the Middle East, and even less about Jewish women. By bringing together information that rests scattered in books, several newspapers and key documents, one must attempt to structure the social and cultural development undertaken by the Jewish female groups in Iraq (ibid). Since the beginning of the history of the people of Israel, the representation of Jewish women was formed in harmony with holy laws, and a

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

20 century China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

20 century China - Essay Example Deng Xiaoping’s era was marked as the â€Å"decade of reform† as it effected a total revamp of the legal system,brought in more democracy at government and party levels, gave more freedom for the people for self-government and became a new era of hope for the Chinese republic.A transformation from communism to socialist democracy was visible in all spheres. This change brought about also the development of a socialist political civilization. It was a time when writers, a group of Marxist theoreticians, scientists and their disciple-students were lining up for democracy and forming a network.They had a vision that, in order to nourish democracy, a limit has to be drawn on the powers of the ruling Marxist Party.Deng era was also an era of legal reforms. There was a steady reform process going on to establish a socialist legal system. A more independent judiciary and freedom of press evolved through this. In this way, the political reform in China was coming of age by effe ctive changes in administrative and legal systems and policies. In this way, the reform era marked the establishment of a full-fledged legal system, where laws were enacted and codified and a regular network of courts started functioning.The reach and effectiveness of judiciary was considerably increased with effective monitoring and punitive provisions wherever pitfalls were seen. The reforms included, giving more self-determination powers and self rule provisions to ethnic groups and regions, more democratic election process at party-level and government-level and more centralized administration of remote regions of the nation. Multiple candidates were allowed in the elections for the people’s congresses and this was for the first time after revolution (Goldman, 13). Also secret ballot system was introduced (Goldman, 13). In 1987, the elections to the Central Committee were held in the 13th Party Congress, allowing multiple candidates (Goldman, 13). Soon after taking charge of the nation, Deng removed all intellectuals from the category that comes under the term, ‘bourgeoisie’ (Goldman, 30). Elections were allowed for deciding the administrative heads of professional and scientific establishments (Goldman, 30). All these initiated a new vigor in Chinese political scene. The proclaimed slogan of Deng-era had been â€Å"political democratization† (Goldman, 35). All these reforms have been successful when viewed from the side of democracy but they resulted in the lessening of the power of the party. If viewed from the side of the implementers of these reforms, it can be seen that the reforms did bring in more democracy but also weakened the existing domination of the party. The most important aspect of reforms has been that a well-defined system for scrutinizing and recording social situations was established and also a space was provided for public discourses and grievance-hearing onsocial issues. All these changes together saw the b irth of a new socialist China where people had more rights and more freedom. 2. What are the basic element and goals in Deng’s economic reform agenda? What are the major obstacles to successfully completion the economic reform process? Deng’s economic reform agenda looked forward to correcting the anomalies in China’s economy and helping it grow. But despite the few benefits harvested from the reforms through privatisation and new tax system, major sectors like agriculture, industry, finance and foreign trade failed to reap the promises of the reform. The focus was on a socialist economy which could only be developed through extensive industrialization. The major aspect of economic reform in Deng-era was the decentralization that was initiated (Shen, 9 of preface). The key elements of the reform were, â€Å"readjustment, restructuring, consolidation and improvement†

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

The Marijuana Policy in California Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Marijuana Policy in California - Essay Example According to the California Health & Safety Code 11018, the definition of marijuana is all the parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether it is grown or not; its seeds, the resin gotten from the plant, and any compound derived or manufactured from the plant. However, it does not include the plant’s mature stalks or any substance manufactured or derived from the stalk. Concentrated cannabis is used to mean the separated resin extracted from marijuana, irrespective of whether it is in purified or crude form. In spite of the fact that the laws for simple possession and the medical marijuana laws in California are among the country’s most progressive, adults who are seemingly responsible are still being arrested or harassed for its possession at an alarming rate. This is for a drug that has been scientifically proved to be safer than both tobacco and alcohol. According to Weintraub & Wood (44), the arrest rates in California for crimes related to marijuana in 2003 stood at 173 for every 100,000 people, and by 2007, the rate had risen to 203 per 100,000. In 2010, preposition 19 received a narrow defeat of 16% to 54%. It was a vote whose aim was to bring to an end the draconian policy of the arrest and prosecution of adults who were caught using marijuana, a substance proven to have less unpleasant effects than alcohol and cigarettes. This was to be achieved through the removal of criminal penalties for offenses related to marijuana as well as allowing local authorities to tax and reg ulate its growth and distribution. Despite its loss, it had the highest percentage of any marijuana legalization initiative that has ever been voted for (Weintraub & Wood 44). California State is ranked number 46 in the country in terms of the total severity of the maximum jail sentences that its residents receive for being in possession of marijuana, this being on a basis of penalties issued for first offenders. When looking at the penalties issued for just less than 1 once of the drug, the state is ranked number 12 together with 10 other states, since due to similarities in the states there are only 12 rankings within this category (McCollum 37).In 2007, arrested related to the possession of marijuana accounted for about 80% of all arrests related to the drug in California. Additionally, arrests related to the drug also accounted for 25% of all arrests related to drugs in the same year (McCollum 37). In recent years, the cultivation of marijuana has been on the increase dramatical ly. DCESP (Domestic Cannabis Eradication suppression Program), a program sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, collects data that does not include all the marijuana plants seized within the state; but these data give an accurate indication of the actual cultivation rates of the drug. As much as getting estimates of how much from the total amounts of the drug cultivated is seized by the authorities, such as the local, state and federal ones is difficult, the overall trend is clear. The total seizures of the pant in California have increased for a period