According
to Evolution Theory, species present today have evolved from different species.
Present day fish have evolved from a group of jawless fish. Insects have evolved
from sea-dwelling arthropods. And man have evolved from ape-Re animals. From
this thought, we believe that when a change in the environment occurs which
is detrimental to a species, a sub-group of that species may survive. Its
chance of survival will be closely determined by that sub-group being different
enough from the main population, and different in a way that allows it to
survive the change in then environment. This would explain the rapid recovery
from large-scale extinctions seen in the fossil record.
Evolution Theory states that:
- Variation exists
within the genes of every species, which is the simple result of random
mutation.
- In a particular
environment, some individuals of a species, or better said a sub-population
of a species, are better suited for survival. Because of being better
suited to survive 'in that environment, they will have more offspring
that survive in that environment. This is called natural selection.
- Over time, change
within species leads to the replacement of old species by new species.
This happens because the old species are less successful and they become
extinct.
- There is clear evidence
from fossils and many other sources that the species now on Earth have
evolved, or descended, from ancestral forms that are now extinct (evolution).
But not everybody agrees
with the theory of evolution. Many, creationist among them, believe that live
has not existed on Earth for 3.5 billion years, nor do they believe that man
has evolved from an ape-like species.
Your job will be to either
prove that the theory of evolution is true (defense), or to prove that the
theory of evolution is false (prosecution). You must research both view points
on the theory of evolution, and the major scientist involved in the argument.
Then present a short trial (20-30 minutes each) on the theory of evolution.
Each case will involve about 8 people:
1 attorney
for the Prosecution and 3 witnesses for
the prosecution (witnesses must be announced before trial). The Prosecution
will present his/her case first.
1 attorney
for the Defense and 3 witnesses for the
defense,
You will be judged
by your classmates and the Honorable Justice Hartzog (do not even think
about a bribe!!)
What will be due on the day of the trial.?
- One 2-page paper
will be due on the Thurs. 4/29 and Fri. 4/30 at the beginning of class.
The attorneys will write a brief, which will
begin with their opening statement, move into a list of witnesses and
questions for their witnesses, strategy (i.e. objections to look for),
then finally a closing statement. The witnesses will present why you do
or do not believe that Evolution Theory is true, from the prospective
of the person you are representing (i.e. Darwin for the Defense and Denton
for the Prosecution). The lawyers will turn in their papers, attached
to their witnesses’ statements.
- The final presentation
of the case: if you are an attorney, a list of your statement or questions
and strategy, if you are a witness, an explanation of who you are and
how you will help the case.
- Your brag sheet
will explain what you did for your group. Everyone must work on the strategy,
questions and help the all witnesses.
How will you be graded?
- Your paper is part
of your individual grade, and will account for about 35% of the
grade.
- Your presentation
will be graded on your preparation, the quality of the questions, statement,
witnesses, strategy and your performance, and will account for about 35%
of the grade.
- Your brag sheet
is Part of your individual grade, and will account for about 30%
of the grade.
Michael
Behe
Home
email
K.C. Hartzog