Advanced Biology. Jones, M., and G. Jones. 1997. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
This
book does not present a substantial amount of evidence for evolution,
and admits there are many unanswered questions. However, it does not
inform pupils of scientific alternatives to evolution.
Evidence for evolution
The chapter on
evolution starts with a definition that does not explicitly mention the
evolution of complexity, or the origin of life.
Darwin’s
Finches are used as an example of natural selection, but mention is
made that the average beak sizes do not continue to get larger and
larger. What does this show about evolution? They conclude:
It is not clear what this long term study has shown us about the origin of new characteristics.
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is used as another example, as is Sickle Cell Anaemia.
...by having variation, a species has more chance that at least some of its members will be able to survive under whatever pressures a changing environment brings.
It is not clear what this long term study has shown us about the origin of new characteristics.
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is used as another example, as is Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Of speciation, the authors concede that direct evidence for this is hard to come by:
Imaginary examples are used to illustrate the different types of natural selection and the process of allopatric speciation.
The only factual examples of speciation given are cases of polyploidy in plants, which arises when cells fail to divide properly.
this process is very difficult to observe.
Imaginary examples are used to illustrate the different types of natural selection and the process of allopatric speciation.
Let us consider an imaginary population of leaf-eating insects.
The only factual examples of speciation given are cases of polyploidy in plants, which arises when cells fail to divide properly.
Teaching the controversy?
Most biologists would say that evolution by natural selection is no longer a theory, but fact…nevertheless there are still very many unanswered questions.Despite these unanswered questions, the textbook does not present a scientific controversy over evolution. Rather, any controversy is seen as religious:
When, in 1859, Charles Darwin first published his ideas…his book was met with horror by many people. The idea that species might change was not only against people’s religious beliefs, but also against their instinctive beliefs…Worst of all was the suggestion that humans might not have been created as humans, but evolved from something similar to a monkey or ape. It is not surprising that these views provoked controversy and impassioned argument. Indeed, in some communities and religious groups they still do today.