How Evolutionary Biologists Reconstruct History

What is it about?

Polls have consistently shown that nearly half the American public rejects evolution as a valid scientific explanation. Undoubtedly, some of these people do so on religious grounds; however, it is suggested here that a substantial fraction of rejecters are skeptical on grounds that involve misunderstandings of the nature of science. To improve public understanding and acceptance of evolution we need to reduce the gap between public perceptions of science and the actual practice of evolutionary biologists. Very few evolutionary biologists conduct control experiments in a laboratory like those typically described in science textbooks. The work of evolutionary biologists can be generally divided into studies of evolutionary processes and evolutionary patterns, and the methods of inquiry vary depending on the questions being investigated. To reduce public misunderstanding of evolution and the nature of science we must teach the full range of methods used in evolutionary biology. Some recommendations are provided for improving instruction.

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Why is it important?

Understanding evolution is central to understanding biology and an understanding of biology is important for effective citizenship.