I think a lot of the takeaway I got from this chapter was in regards to individualism. I think now more than ever society is individualized, and this optimization of families birth rates rather than a restriction for the public good is a part of that. Instead of viewing birth with its effect on global population, it is viewed as an effect on the family. This has been a very interesting thing to think about while reading, and I'm curious if there are any newer anthropological studies on the same ideas?

I think this is a good point, as of right now, almost everything we do is unnatural. We burn plastic down to wear as clothing, and have figured out ways to cure diseases and ailments with modified genes and viruses. The strength of the human population lies in these "unnatural" scientific advancements, and I think the author is correct to say that without it "...the end result will be misery."

This is such an interesting angle to look at, and really contrasts the ideas health of the individual vs the health of the population. Medical advances have made it so that individual's live longer, are fertile longer, and more fetus and women survive pregnancy. Yet with the addition of these medical advances comes the increased population, that leads to strain on medical systems, food systems and natural resources.

This section really captivated my attention, it made me question weather there could be a species that focuses mainly on caring, and yet still has the drive to pro-create. I also wonder how species vary when it comes to these aspects, and if the variation affects genealogy and lifespan.

Troughout this reading I've really liked the ways that Darwin uses compasrion and contrast to model his theories of evolution.The idea that the neck of a Giffafe and an Elephant have the same number of vetebrae really makes me think about the similarties between mamals, and the common ancestors that we had.

I think this quote is a perfect summary for this chapter, Darwin is demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between the biosphere around him, as well as taking into account his survival of the fittest natural law that governs which species will prevail and survive.

Its interesting to see how this struggle with males over females is seen in animal colouring and appperance. For example, we know now that the male peacock has colourful feathers to help attract female mates. I love how by reading this chapter, I'm able to see the core foundation of all of the knowledge i know now and think is commen sense, such as male animals competeing for females.

This qoute really stands out to me as Darwin was so on the ball with humanities lack of information of past geographical and climate changes in the past. Now knowing what we do about periods of climate change ( Ice ages act...) its really profound that he was able to infer this, and made sure to include this aside about the unknown in his writing.

I like this qoute becuase you can see how Darwin is catious to expand his writing from the traditional religious points of veiws, I think it serves as a catious introduction into the idea of evolution.