BIOL 103 6982 Introduction to Biology (2162)

The theory of evolution… This is probably one of the most debated topics of the past 100 years. Did we really come from apes or are we the product of intelligent design?… This week we will delve into the topic of evolution. Now, as a disclaimer, the purpose of this discussion is not to try and force you to believe in evolution. Your beliefs are your own, and whatever they may be, I respect them (as should your fellow classmates). Instead, the purpose of this discussion is to get you to start thinking critically and to not always take everything you read or hear as fact.

For this week’s discussion, I would like you to compare and contrast the public’s perspective (and your own) of evolution with the biologist’s view of evolution (as discussed in your weekly reading assignment). To start (before going over this week’s readings), I would like you to ask yourself “what is evolution?” In other words, what comes to mind when you think of evolution? Next, I’d like you to ask 2-3 other people this same question. After you’ve completed this “survey”, I’d like you to read over this weeks assigned reading sections and compare and contrast the results of your survey with how the readings describe evolution. In other words, what leads to evolution? Finally, I’d like you to provide an example of an evolutionary process that has occurred in the past 50 years.