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)

Reviews creationist arguments attacking scientific evidence for evolution and an old earth, presenting counter-arguments from the evolutionist's point of view. (CS)

This editorial outlines desirable content for a comprehensive text on social biology and discusses the relevant areas of hominid evolution, ecology, ethology, and archaeology. (CS)

Identifies the groups contributing to the writing and thinking on scientific creationism and the five-step strategy used to influence local boards of education and state legislatures on the subject. (Author/MLF)

Sociobiology suggests that our basic pyschological makeup is genetically determined and has evolved by means of natural selection. Biologically based human predispositions often conflict with legal and moral requirements of modern life. Sociobiology provides support for the direct teaching of moral values and social skills. (Author)

Investigates the level of students' understanding of the concept of evolution of natural selection. Sixty-three first year British university students with an advanced-level biology background participated in this study. (HM)

Explores the case for viewing altruism as an inherent part of human nature. Postulates an altruistic disposition or motive to act which is under the control of perceptual and cognitive processes. Presents psychological evidence complementing this view. Discusses social implications of a biological basis for human altruism. (RH)

An introduction to the field of paleoanthropology is presented. Contributions from a score of disciplines are replacing guesswork in the description of the environments that accompanied the stages of humankind. (BB)

Patterns among human hunter-gatherers and non-human social animals suggest patterns of early hominid social development. (BB)

In light of the recent revival of the creationism versus evolution issue, the author briefly summarizes both positions, defends evolution on the basis of fossils and rock ages, and refutes six creationist arguments against evolution. For journal availability, see SO 505 260. (AV)

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)

Defines dialogue as a disciplined, consensus-building process of collective communication based on shared values and beliefs. Highlights include the evolutionary history of dialogue; the role of dialogue in building a civil society and in the design of social systems; and the need to develop learning resources in evolutionary inquiry and in the…

Explores the effects of students' inquiry during a technology-supported unit of evolution and natural selection on their beliefs about the nature of science. Shows that the inconsistency of individual responses undermines the assumption that students have stable, coherent epistemological frameworks. Indicates differences between student talk…