Topic 5: Evolution

Syllabus
page15_1Topic 5: Evolution



Misconceptions About Evolution

Bird and Bat Wing Comparison


This unit covers the unifying theme of biology: evolution. Biology is a science rich in topics that often foment heated discussion. Evolution is one such topic. The science of evolution is just that—it’s science—it’s supported by significant repeatable, falsifiable experimentation. Science seeks to find truth in nature in much the same way that religion seeks to find truth in God; the two should be viewed as mutually exclusive. By definition, science is the systematic, experimental study of repeated events in nature that are governed by physical and natural laws. Religion, on the other hand, worships a supernatural God or gods. Being supernatural, a god, by definition, is above the laws of nature and should be excluded from any discussion regarding science. Learning about evolution and the science behind it does not mean that you have to be an atheistic, devil-worshiping, sinner condemned to eternal life in purgatory. Likewise, believing in God does not mean that you have to shun science, its processes, or any of the topics that it attempts to explain. Like most things in science, paradigms are often shifted as new ways of thinking come along, new discoveries are made, or new technologies become available. Thus, this does not mean that former ideas should be met with lunacy or ridicule. Rather, it should be seen as a natural process of science and scientific discovery whereby a body of knowledge builds upon itself and serves as a catalyst for new thought. As you take mainstream science classes, you will be challenged at every turn. Topics such as evolution will force you to think differently and become educated about a variety of issues which are likely to be new to you. Do not be scared, do not become angry, and certainly do not feel that you need to stop believing in your deity. Embrace the fact that you are becoming enlightened and challenge yourself to understand your convictions. Hopefully, you will find new ways to explain them, and inspire others to do the same.

Interactive Evolution Activity

page15_2
Chapter 22 Presentation-Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life

page15_3
Chapter 23 Presentation-The Evolution of Populations



Malaria-Human Portion of the Life Cycle
Malaria-Mosquito Portion of the Life Cycle

page15_4
Chapter 24 Presentation-The Origin of Species

page15_5
Chapter 25 Presentation-The History of Life on Earth

page15_6
Chapter 26 Presentation-Phylogeny and the Tree of Life

page15_7
Endosymbiotic Theory


Vocabulary

page15_8Chapter 22 Vocabulary

page15_9Chapter 23 Vocabulary

page15_10Chapter 24 Vocabulary

page15_11Chapter 25 Vocabulary

page15_12Chapter 26 Vocabulary

page15_13Chapter 34 Vocabulary