Reports on presentations representing evolution at the 53rd annual meeting of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) which was held March 22-24, 2002. Explains evolutionary patterns, phylogenetic pageantry, molecular clocks, speciation and biogeography, speciation and macroevolution, and human-induced evolution of drugs-resistant…

Illustrates the reciprocal relationships between the sciences and environmental ethics by examining the Darwinian theory of evolution and discussing its implications for ecologists and ethicists. (CCM)

Discusses how existential philosophy and evolutionary biology enjoy substantial and hitherto unappreciated similarities, in particular in understanding life's fundamental absurdity, a relentless and productive focus on the individual, and an optimistic presumption of freedom. (SAH)

Explores the relationship of state standards for the teaching of evolution to the actual teaching of that subject. Compares a grading of states for their performance and discusses the question of whether state standards matter. (MM)

Suggests that educators and scientists should not eliminate evolution from the high school biology curriculum but should support the efforts of biology teachers who have a commitment to and understanding of both biology and education, and who strive to provide an education of scientific integrity and value for all students. (MM)

Discusses major leaps in knowledge about the production of flowers that have come from studying genes that regulate the flowers of mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Examines the ABC model of flower morphogenesis, commonality of genes, evolution of angiosperms, and agricultural and horticultural potential. (LZ)

Presents a view on public policy and the importance of biology. Discusses issues such as securing research funds, teaching of evolution and other curriculum issues, lobbying, and the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Public Policy Office. (YDS)

Describes a classroom activity that teaches the mechanism of genetic drift to undergraduates. Illustrates a number of concepts that are critical in developing evolution literacy by sampling M&M milk chocolate candies. (MM)

Describes the present understanding of evolution and identifies major challenges and questions. Suggests ways in which progress can be facilitated in basic research in evolutionary biology. (CCM)

Provides examples of the arguments made by scientist members of the Creation Research Society to the California State Board of Education, which resolved that scientific evidence concerning the origin of life implies at least a dualism." An objection to the board's action by the state Advisory Committee on Science Education is included. (AL)

Discusses opportunities and challenges for the field of evolutionary biology, particularly in areas related to molecular genetic technologies, the environment, biodiversity, and public education. (Author/KHR)

Offers suggestions to secondary teachers faced with teaching the concepts of evolution to a group of skeptical students. Presents a variety of comments from groups that support the integration of evolution into the science curriculum and opposing the adoption of creationism as a part of the science curriculum. (ZWH)

Describes a course entitled "DNA and Evolution" in which students develop an appreciation for what science is and how it is practiced as well as an understanding of how some of the most central ideas in biology were developed and tested. Discusses the design of the course, the lecture and discussion topics, and the results and their…