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

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

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

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