EVOLUTION Which one of these animals is a fish? Evolution is known as "the unifying theory of biology" What does that mean?

Create a list of statements regarding evolution.  Sort them into - Statements of Fact & Statements of Opinion FACT OPINION

The task is difficult.. partly because the word "fact" is a tough word. When something is a fact, it suggests it is absolute, and not subject to change.                                    Science doesn't like absolutes. Definition of fact:  an observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true                                               (although its truth is never final) Scientists prefer to use the term OBSERVATIONS Look at how it changes the tone of these sentences. 1.  It is a fact that the sky is blue.    (Is it?) 2.  I observe the sky is blue.

While amusing to watch, the simpsons video illustrates a common myth about evolution.  Evolution isn't linear.   Organisms aren't striving to become anything

More misunderstandings..... 1.  If humans evolved into monkeys, why are there still monkeys? This is also related to the misunderstanding that evolution follows a linear path...that everything is trying to be human.  - NOT SO - There are many kinds of primates, each adapted to its own environment, just like there are many kinds of felines This picture is flawed, but commonly used to illustrate human evolution.

None of these cats will evolve into a lion.

Myth 2: Scientists regularly debate whether evolution occurs. The only place debate occurs is in social settings, and is philosophical in nature.  If any debate occurs among biologists, its often regarding specifics - such as timing, or what animal is related to what, or when did a creature evolve and what is its origins.     As a THEORY, evolution is supported by a large body of evidence and is used to EXPLAIN new observations.   Biologists would consider it a waste of time to debate this.

Myth 3: A person cannot believe in God and in evolution. There are many scientists who have religious beliefs.   One does not necessarily preclude the other.    To say that the two are incompatible is grossly unfair to both scientists and people of faith. 

Another myth is that  evolution encourages the strong to destroy the weak.   Remember, "strong" and "weak" are relative.   Organisms do not have to be strong to survive.  Read this story about wimpy cuttlefish who pretend to be females: "Cuttlefish Wimps.."

There are many more myths and misunderstandings about evolution There are many more myths and misunderstandings about evolution.  We will hopefully tackle those as we progress through this unit.  On a notecard, write down a question or statement you are confused about regarding evolution.  You do not need to put your name on this card.  As we cover evolution I will try to address particular questions, concerns and arguments. E V O L

Media: PBS Evolution - many resources covering the topic - videos, articles, activities and more Darwin's Dangerous Idea - 1st in a 7 part series on evolution; begins with Darwin's voyage on the Beagle and how he established the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection Nova:  Intelligent Design on Trial  - A recent covering of a trial in Dover, Delaware, where the school board tried to establish "intelligent design" as part of its science curriculum. The Panda's Thumb - news archives about evolution and society, focuses on debunking "creation science" and "intelligent design"