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JRMG Bio1 2008 Misconceptions about evolution and how it works: Evolution is a theory about the origin of life life changed after its origin Misconceptions about evolution and how it works: Evolution is like a climb up a ladder of progress; organisms are always getting better natural selection* No organism has to be perfect fit enough to survive and reproduce Fitness is linked to environment, not to progress. Misconceptions about evolution and how it works: Evolution means that life changed by chance Mutation** is RANDOM natural selection is not random The streamlined shape of these yellowfin tuna is no accident. A more streamlined shape allows these fish to move through the water faster. During their evolution, natural selection favored the more streamlined tuna. Misconceptions about evolution and how it works: Natural selection gives organisms what they need cannot sense what a species needs depends on the inherent traits Misconceptions about evolution and how it works: Natural selection involves organisms 'trying' to adapt doesn't involve "trying” involves genetic variation and selection Evolution is 'just' a theory Gaps in the fossil record disprove evolution Lots of organisms don't fossilize well environmental conditions for forming good fossils are not that common Evolution is a theory in crisis and is collapsing as scientists lose confidence in it argue about how it took place but not “whether if it took place” The theory of evolution is flawed, but scientists won't admit it "flaws" are based on misunderstandings of evolutionary theory or misrepresentations of evidence Scientists continue to refine the theory of evolution * Evolutionary theory is incomplete and is currently unable to give a total explanation of life Evolutionary science is a work in progress only well-supported explanation for life's diversity Misconceptions about the implications of evolution Evolution is not science because it is not observable or testable many mechanisms of evolution are studied through direct experimentation Misconceptions about the implications of evolution Most biologists have rejected 'Darwinism' (i.e., no longer really agree with the ideas put forth by Darwin and Wallace) Scientists have not rejected Darwin's natural selection Misconceptions about the implications of evolution Evolution leads to immoral behavior. If children are taught that they are animals, they will behave like animals does not make ethical statements about right and wrong helps us understand how life has changed and continues to change over time Misconceptions about the implications of evolution Evolution supports the idea that 'might makes right' and rationalizes the oppression of some people by others "Social Darwinism" society should allow the weak and less fit to fail and die Evolution and religion are incompatible Religion and science (evolution) are very different things Science: only natural causes are used to explain natural phenomena Religion: deals with beliefs that are beyond the natural world Teachers should teach 'both sides' and let students decide for themselves students should have opportunities to discuss the merits of arguments within the scope of science