Question

1. In 1995, the Alabama Department of Education l required all biology textbooks used in the state to display a disclaimer about evolution. It has since been revised and moderates. The original disclaimer read:

“This textbook discusses, a controversial theory some scientists present as a scientific explanation for the origin of living things, such as plants, animals, and humans. No one was present when life first appeared on earth, therefore, any statement about life’s origins should be considered as theory, not fact.”

As someone with knowledge of evolutionary biology, tell me at least two misconceptions contained in the disclaimer above and how would you explain them correctly.

Answer 1

Yes.
The disclaimer is correct in the sense that nobody has seen evolution as it is occurring. It is a slow and continuous process that often requires millions of years depending upon the type of trait/adaptation.
However, claiming that evolution is simply fiction or hypothesis is incorrect.
Evolution of organisms has been proven by multiple pieces of evidence
i. All the organisms share common molecular and biochemical pathways which indicate that all organisms are derived from a common ancestor.
ii. There are fossils and living fossils which are intermediate forms that connect to extant groups. These organisms show that evolution is a continuous process and not a sudden change
iii. Homologous and analogous organs are pieces of evidence for evolution.