A Survey of the Public Understanding of Evolution
I filled out in this survey the other day. It’s relatively short, though it contains two essay questions. I found myself struggling to define and describe evolution in my own words. It revealed to me, what I already knew, that I need to educate myself on the topic. Whether you accept evolution or not, you should consider taking the survey.
If you are interested, you can read my answers below. If you plan to take the survey, stop reading after this paragraph. Otherwise you might be influenced by my words, whether they be good responses or bad.
. . . . .
To the best of your understanding, and in your own words, please explain what “evolution” means.
“Descent with modification? The change in allele frequency over time? Just kidding! Evolution is the theory which explains the origin and diversity of all species on Earth (maybe other places too). It explains how genetic information is inherited through generations, and what factors are responsible for genetic changes. At its core, though not singularly, the mechanism of natural selection, which is driven by environmental pressures such as competition, favors individuals of a species which are able to survive long enough to reproduce. That reproduction passes along genes, however alike or different from the parent, suitable for survival in the current environment. All members of a species which are genetically different, in any degree from the previous generation, are describes having evolved. Evolution describes this process and is useful for determining ancestry among all living things.”
If you accept the theory of evolution, please explain in your own words why; or if you do not accept the theory of evolution, please explain in your own words why not.
“I accept evolutionary theory because, of the evidence I have reviewed, it has been adequately supported. I am convinced, even though my knowledge on the subject is little. Examples like the inability of apes and humans to synthesize vitamin C due to genes which are mutated, disabled in the same way has helped me understand just what kind of evidence really exists on the subject. I’m no expert, obviously.”
How confident are you that you understand the scientific theory of evolution?
“60-70% sure”
On the question of the origin and development of life and humans,
what do you believe?
“I believe that life and humans evolved through natural forces without guidance by God.”
I consider myself to be:
“a fiscal/economic conservative” to “a fiscal/economic liberal” - 3
“a social conservative” to “a social liberal” - 5
“not very interested in science” to “very interested in science” - 4
“not religious at all” to “very religious” - 1
Do you believe there is a God?
(a purposeful higher intelligence that created the universe)
“Definitely No”
On average, when you were growing up, how often did you attend religious services?
“Once a Week”
How often do you presently attend religious services?
“Never”
Current religious organization membership:
“None”
What is your highest level of education?
“college degree”
Gender
“male”
Age
“30 to 39″
Ethnicity
“White/Caucasian”
What is your country of residence?
“United States (USA)”
If you are a Canadian or United States resident, in what state or province do you live?
“North Carolina”
