Related tags:
evolution + (8)
science + (4)
resolved + (4)
naturalselection + (4)

How do other languages (non-English) express the scientific term 'race?' vs the colloquial? In taxonomic terms, the word "race" is 90% used as a misnomer in US discourse. This is rooted in "Social Darwinism," or contemporary racist applications of seminal evolution concepts. This colors verbiage across the sciences, especially the social sciences. To wit, the term 'racism' is in fact based on a dehumanizing paradigm. So, um, how does this shake out elsewhere? [more inside]
posted by es_de_bah on Mar 11, 2013 - 9 answers

How were the ideas expressed in The Origin of Species received among country people and laypersons in Victorian England? [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn on Jun 26, 2012 - 10 answers

What are some article length studies readily available on the internets that summarize the evidence for evolution? [more inside]
posted by holdkris99 on Dec 1, 2011 - 8 answers

Let's see if this can be done without causing any ideological controversy. The simplest yet most descriptive explanation of a true scientific theory is below. "A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena." An actual theory must be falsifiable as well. My understanding is that Intelligent design does not fit the bill as a set of empirically proven facts or pass the falsifiability test. Also, I understand that Darwin's theory may have the most facts supporting his theory (therefore it is the best explanation for the evolution of life we currently have), but that it may not be falsifiable as well. The basic question is what is intelligent design if not a theory? I don't think it qualifies as a hypothesis either. Please explain to this scientific layman. Bonus points if you can explain how The Theory of Natural Selection is falsifiable.
posted by 4Lnqvv on Sep 8, 2011 - 46 answers

what are the nicest suburbs to rent in darwin australia? is the inner city a good option? apartment for preference
posted by sparkle55 on Apr 19, 2011 - 3 answers

Did the word "evolve" exist before Darwin came up with the theory of evolution?
posted by Glendale on Apr 5, 2011 - 5 answers

Evolution: What would be a simple and clear way of explaining to an 8 year old how African people with dark skin, big eyes and curly hair turn into Japanese people with lighter skin, smaller eyes and straighter hair over X amount of years? [more inside]
posted by querty on Feb 22, 2011 - 28 answers

From Darwin's autobiography: 'Some of these boys were rather clever, but I may add on the principle of "noscitur a socio" that not one of them ever became in the least distinguished.' What does "noscitur a socio" mean in this context? [more inside]
posted by bigbopper on Jan 10, 2010 - 6 answers

What is the name of the effect, in evolutionary biology, whereby acquired behavioral characteristics that lead to reproductive fitness can result in the selection of predispositions toward acquiring these characteristics? [more inside]
posted by moorooka on Dec 7, 2009 - 7 answers

When current/recent SCIENCE challenges Darwin, what does it say? I'm a layman interested to hear what not-Creationist, not-ID, not-paranormal challengers (or boundary-pushers) to natural selection might be exploring these days, explained for general readers… [more inside]
posted by dpcoffin on Nov 6, 2009 - 18 answers

Unix mavens: is there a way for ls on a Mac OS X install to alphabetize its listing case-insensitively, while still preserving any other ls flags you may be using? If not, does another ls variant offered by anybody offer case-insensitivity, and if so, how can I supplant one with the other, without risk of any harm to anything else on my system? (If it matters, my shell of choice is tcsh.)
posted by WCityMike on Aug 16, 2009 - 19 answers

How can we make the most of our time in Kakadu National Park? We fly into Darwin on Friday July 10 around 3pm, and have an early flight out on the morning of July 15, so we'd need to be back in Darwin the night of the 14th. We'd like to spend as much of our time as possible seeing Kakadu. [more inside]
posted by Dasein on Jun 25, 2009 - 1 answer

AustraliaFilter: The hive mind helped me plan a very enjoyable trip to Australia in April 2008. I had such a good time I'd like to return this October/November for another few weeks and try some new places. Suggestions/advice please! [more inside]
posted by adamk on May 29, 2009 - 11 answers

I have an essay due. I have to write to what extent I agree or disagree with the following sentence: "In The Descent of Man, Darwin noted that human beings, for all their sensibilities and “god-like intellect”, still bear in their bodily frame the indelible stamp of their lowly origin." I'm having ESL problems, because I understand (I think) what each word means, but I don't understand what the sentence put together is saying. Can anyone explain it to me?
posted by shaka, when the walls fell on Apr 3, 2009 - 13 answers

I can't believe I'm wasting my question on this, but here goes: why do people ride those tall bikes? [more inside]
posted by elquien on Oct 1, 2007 - 15 answers

As I type this, my lovely cat is having kittens (literally). I am having a few myself (not literally). I'm a little worried because... [more inside]
posted by Optamystic on Apr 13, 2007 - 21 answers

SomewhatObscureGiftFilter: I'd like to buy a Darwin Fish bumper plaque/emblem, and I'd like to have it by December 24. I'm in Ontario (Niagara region). The online options I've found have slow or super-expensive shipping to Canada -- anyone know of a bricks-and-mortar source?
posted by ewiar on Dec 18, 2006 - 4 answers

Suppose it was possible to move between 2006 and thousands/millions of years ago. And suppose I snatched a baby from a 2006 maternity ward and swapped it with a baby born in the year 0006 as they lay in their maternity ward. [more inside]
posted by selton on Jun 17, 2006 - 16 answers