The Gaia hypothesis, which promulgates the idea that the Earth as a whole is alive, is discussed. The microworld and the idea that symbiosis is a major force behind evolution are emphasized. (KR)

Discusses how genetic data on present human population relationships and data from the Pleistocene fossil hominid record are being used to compare two contrasting models for the origin of modern humans. (TW)

Summarizes events of a conference on evolutionary biology in Chicago entitled: "Macroevolution." Reviews the theory of modern synthesis, a term used to explain Darwinism in terms of population biology and genetics. Issues presented at the conference are discussed in detail. (CS)

The evolutionary paths by which the characteristic properties of sex chromosomes may have evolved are reviewed. The evolution of the X and Y chromosomes from a cosexual ancestor is discussed. (CW)

Comments on the personalities and viewpoints of Richard Leakey and Donald Johanson, paleoanthropologists who hold differing views on the origin of humans. Summarizes major paleoanthropological finds and suggests the use of radio-immunoassay techniques for untangling the human family tree. (JN)

A citizen's task force appointed by the Department of Energy to study its energy education program has taken DOE sharply to task for not drawing the line between education and propaganda. The task force urged the agency to overhaul the whole operation. (Author/BB)

A survey designed to evaluate the importance of some components of cultural transmission on a variety of traits showed that religion and politics are mostly determined in the family, a mode of transmission which guarantees high evolutionary stability and maintenance of high variation between and within groups. (Author/JN)

Summarizes the views of Ernst Mayr on the controversy over evolution which exists between physical scientists and biologists. Discusses the uniqueness of individuals, work by population geneticists and mathematical geneticists, complexity in nature, rates of change, modes of change, and the need to ask "why". (DC)

Describes recent research by Edward Steele appearing to support the Lamarckian theory of inheritance. Steele suggests that a mutant somatic cell favored by the environment will undergo clonal expansion. Altered genetic materials from these cells is then picked up by C-type viruses and inserted into the germ line genome. (CS)

This article reviews some recent technical progress in the social sciences and three frontier areas including evolutionary theory as related to sociobiology, the theory of human rational choice, and cognitive science. These areas offer explanations for broad areas of human behavior. (Author/SA)

This study discusses the behavior of the females of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis, which adjust the sex ratio of their broods according to whether or not they are the first or second wasp to parasitize a host. The results provide a quantitative test of sex ratio theory. (Author/SA)

Discusses the reaction of evolutionists to the creationist's efforts to pass legislation which would mandate the teaching of the biblical account of creation. (DS)

The Texas attorney general has said that this state's textbook antievolution rules violate the First Amendment. Responses and issues related to this statement are discussed. The history of these rules is also discussed. (JN)

Reviews events in the California courts surrounding a five-day trial concerning the teaching of biblical creation in the public schools. (CS)

Describes the case of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) versus the state of Arkansas concerning this state's law requiring equal time for the teaching of creationism and evolution. ACLU contends this law violates the separation of church and state clause of the First Amendment. (DS)