Misconceptions exist about Darwin, evolutionary theory

Publication Date: 02/10/2009

Feb. 12 is Darwin Day, the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and 150th anniversary of The Origin of Species. People around the world will be celebrating one of science’s most important and powerful theories: evolution. Unfortunately, the United States has been lagging behind. We’ve seen unscientific movements like intelligent design try to sneak their way into schools, even though there is absolutely no debate within the scientific community over the fact of evolution. Fewer than half of Americans believe in evolution; in fact, just as many people believe in ghosts (Harris poll, 2008). At least evolution’s beating UFOs, witches and astrology – but not by much.

Part of the problem is the number of misconceptions about evolution that are commonly repeated. I’m sure you’ve heard “Evolution is just a theory” and “If we descended from apes, why are there still apes around?” Maybe you’ve even made those arguments yourself. If you’d like to learn more about evolution, how it works, and its impact on the world, check out “Evolution: Myths and Misconceptions.” Sponsored by the Biology Club and Society of Non-Theists, it will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in CL50 224.

We’ll have a short presentation followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Nancy Pelaez (biology), Dr. Peter Waser (biology) and Dr. Sharon Williams (anthropology). Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re an evolutionary biologist, a creationist or somewhere in between. The panel will be taking questions from the audience, so now’s your chance to get your questions answered. See you there, and Happy Darwin Day!

Jennifer McCreight

Junior, College of Science