Evolution that Anyone can Understand (working title)
The topics I would like to cover include fossil genes, isolating
mechanisms, genetic drift, and the like. I would also like to tackle a
couple of the myths that seem to persist about evolution: specifically
that it is flawed because it is "only a theory," and that it is somehow
antithetical to religious belief. Regarding the former, I would use the
cell theory and atomic theory as comparisons to show that scientific
theories are fact based, useful in making predictions, and flexible. The
latter is a bit more problematic, but I would try to show that science
deals with the natural world and has no means of or interest in dealing
with the supernatural. I would do my best to not attack anyone's
belief's, but I would show by chapter and verse that the Bible contains
conflicting information and cannot be used as a scientific document. In
addition, I would point out that the discoveries of Galileo and
Copernicus did not destroy religion, though there was fear they would at
the time. I would also avoid to the best of my abilities a dogmatic
march through geologic history, using dinosaurs and the like only as
illustrations.
From what I saw and from what I've seen in the past, my approach would
be less "clinical." My intention is to go into more detail on evolution
around us, including bacterial drug resistance and insect pesticide
resistance, as well as recent extinctions, and I believe that I'll be
handling the religious argument differently, hopefully to show that both
"sides" do not disprove the other by proving their own.
Tentative Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction: Exactly What is Evolution?
The nature of change in biological history
Chapter 2: What's God Got to do with It?
Biblical contradictions and the growth of human understanding of natural
phenomena.
Chapter 3: But It's Only a Theory
The nature of scientific theory, exemplified by Germ, Cell, and Atomic
Theories
Chapter 4: Ice Fish and Other Genetic Anomalies
Fossil genes, vestigial organs, and relict behavior
Chapter 5: Islands in the Sky and Elsewhere
Genetic isolation and speciation
Chapter 6: Superbugs
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pesticide resistant-insects
Chapter 7: How Does It Work?
Gene mutation and natural selection
Chapter 8: What's the Evidence?
The fossil record and embryologic similarity
Chapter 9: Is It Happening Now?
Selective breeding and habitat fragmentation
Chapter 10: What About Us?
A brief look at human evolution
