Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) is most recalled in the history of biology for his Recapitulation Theory and the allegedly fudged illustrations of embryos that he presented in support of that case. Less well known is his contribution to abiogenesis theory, which he incorporated into evolutionary theory. In so doing, Haeckel, a vitriolic atheist, was…

In this paper we present a schematic overview of the central concepts in evolutionary theory, setting them off against the background of widespread misconceptions about them. Our aim is to provide high school teachers with (1) an overview of those particular concepts that they can expect students to have difficulties with, (2) a comparison of…

Behe (1998) and Wells (1999) claimed that embryological support for Darwinian evolution is based on the drawings of the 19th century embryologist Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) whose embryological drawings were regarded inaccurate and fraudulent. The history of modern embryology, the roles played by Von Baer and Haeckel in that history and the manner…

The idea of evolution is examined in a historical perspective in this article. Considerable discussion is given to the works of Lamarck and Darwin. The evolutionary process is also examined with respect to philosophy, art and music history, and man's place in nature. References are included. (MA)

The link between science and society is examined by studying the application of evolution theories and genetics to human affairs. Described are the ways in which biological theories have been applied to social issues. (KR)

Darwin's weak influence on developmental psychology is traced. It is explained by (1) developmentalists' commitment to an ideology of meliorism; (2) conceptual issues relating to ontogeny and phylogeny; and (3) methodological problems. Suggests that developmentalists use evolutionary theory as a heuristic for structuring new research. (BC)

Several implications for the understanding of the Darwinian revolution follow from an analysis of the role of colloquial language and prudential reason in Charles Darwin's quest for a theory of evolution. First, the term "natural selection" is not merely or even primarily a technical term and thus cannot be understood accurately apart…

Describes briefly the development of ancient as well as current theories and ideas on biological evolution. (ZWH)

Reviews scientific evidence for the age of the earth, solar system, galaxy, and universe instead of following creationist beliefs about the history of Earth, the universe, and Earth's biota. (ASK)

Examines two views about acceptance of Darwin's theory by scientists in Great Britain; that all scientists had accepted it within ten years after the publication of "Origin of Species," and that young scientists accepted the theory faster than old scientists. Concludes that both views are not accurate. (GA)

Discusses the hypothesis studied by astrophysicists on the symmetry between matter and anti-matter in the composition of the universe. (HM)

The author reviews research on the origins of life, beginning with Thales (636 B.C.), synthesized by C. Darwin in "The Origin of Species," continued by H. DeVries' mutation theory, and enhanced by the discovery in 1944 of DNA. For journal availability, see SO 505 260. (AV)

The inclusion of evolution as a topic in secondary school biology texts is examined in detail. The recent upsurge of mandates by the creationists is discussed with respect to current scientific knowledge and religious theology. Reasons for the exclusion of creationism in the biology curriculum are justified. (MA)

A series of programs entitled Creationism and Evolution: The History of a Controversy was presented at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The controversy was addressed from an historical and sociological, rather than a scientific perspective. Speakers addressed the evolution of scientific creationism, ancient texts versus sedimentary rocks…

Refutes scientific creationists' arguments that the earth is less than 10,000 years old by presenting information related to the time scales for creation and evolution models, times from stellar distances, Kelvin's estimate of the earth's age, radioactive decay, radiometric dating, and the decay of the earth's magnetic field. (DC)