I would like to devote this thread to developing a simple test to determine whether a person actually understands the Theory of Evolution.
The test should be composed of Yes/No questions. If a person finishes the test answering all questions "Yes", that should be confirmation that not only does the test taker understand the Theory of Evolution. The questions should be posed in lay terminology so almost anyone with a basic understanding of biology should be able to take it. The questions should also avoid certain words that may send up red flags, like "selection". Some sample questions might look like this.
* Are traits passed from one generation to the next via DNA?
* Do mutations occur?
* Can mutations result in new traits?
* If a trait benefits the survival of an individual, will that trait become more prevalent in subsequent generations?
* If a trait disfavors the survival of an individual, will that trait become less prevalent in subsequent generations?
* etc.
The questions would need to be ordered in such a fasion that they would progress from the most basic questions (Do mutations occur?) to more sophisticated questions. These example questions could be used as a jumping off point
I do not want this to be a debate thread. This should be a thread about what the Theory of Evolution states. The test can be used to take someone unfamiliar with the ToE, or only familiar with a strawman version through what the ToE actually says step by step and show exactly which parts of the theory are misunderstood.
This is an idea I pulled off another message board, but thought that this board would be able to do a better job with it.
Proposed forum: Is it Science?
Edited by pesto, : No reason given.
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