问题:Defending the Theory of Evolution Still Seems NeededJudith S. Weis, a biology professor who serves as president of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is leading a nationwide effort to "defend" the theory of evolution. Weis leads the effort in the face of what the institute views as opposition and indifference from school boards and government entities.The Institute believes that the teaching of evolution in America is being diminished by the teaching of creationism as well as by an overall lack of teaching Darwin's theory in high school. "There's nothing that requires schools to teach evolution. Sometimes teachers in high schools just leave it out. However from the point of view of biologists, evolution is the central theory of biology upon which everything is based," said Weis. "Unfortunately, teaching evolution has become a political issue in many parts of the country and AIBS, as a representative of biologists, wanted to be a major force speaking out in favor of its teaching. "Weis said the institute is working together with the American Geological Institute and the National Association of Biology Teachers and its 80-plus member organizations to address" the political and legislative threats to teaching evolution. In states challenging its teaching, the institute responds by sending letters to school boards and state legislatures, by providing testimony at public meetings and by notifying members and affiliated organizations. AIBS, with more than 80 member societies and 250,000 members, has established an email system enabling scientists and teachers in each state, and member societies, to keep each other informed about threats to the teaching of evolution.Darwin's theory of evolution holds that living things change and adapt to their environment and that present-day species ( including human beings) are descended from earlier species through modification by natural selection. The theory has been accepted by scientists for nearly 100 years, Weis said, and has been refined, extended and strengthened over the years by findings in paleontology and developmental biology. Discoveries in genetics, molecular biology and genomics—all of which provide significant benefits for human health—would not be possible without the underlying knowledge of evolution. And, Weis adds, "modem molecular biology and genomics have increased our understanding of how evolution works." Nonetheless, evolution remains a politically, if not scientifically, controversial issue.Weis said that this year alone, seven states have had either local or statewide efforts to water down the teaching of evolution, or "balance" it with the teaching of creationism—a religious belief that different species were created separately by a higher power, such as God. "Rarely does anyone now use the word ' creationism, ' because that's too obvious," Weis said. "The current terminology is ' intelligent design. ' "According to the first paragraph, which of the following statements about the theory or evolution is true?A.Government entities support AIBS's effort to defend the theory of evolution.B.School boards oppose AIBS's effort to defend the theory of evolution.C.AIBS and school boards advocate the teaching of the theory of evolution.D.The theory of evolution and that of creationism co-exist peacefully in schools.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
问题:AIBS's is composed of ______.A.more than 80 societies and 250,000 membersB.250,000 biologistsC.80 member organizationsD.more than 250,000 members and 80 member societies
问题:For young children, getting dressed is a complicated business.A.strangeB.complexC.personalD.funny
问题:Paragraph 5 ______
Sunday, March 31, 2024
问题:People are confused in their attempts to control malaria in Europe in the early 1900s, because scientists ______.A.identified only one mosquito species instead of six speciesB.thought only three mosquito species transmitted diseaseC.thought there was only one mosquito speciesD.did not know what species was being studied
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
问题:But in the end he approved of our proposal.A.undoubtedlyB.certainlyC.ultimatelyD.necessarily
问题:According to Weis in the 5th paragraph, the theory of evolution ______.A.is fundamental to the development of modem genetics, molecular biology and geonomicsB.is a political issueC.is based on genetics, molecular biology and geonomicsD.has increased our understanding of human health
Friday, April 5, 2024
问题:Why do people replace the term creationism with the term intelligent design nowadays?A.Because "intelligent design" represents the modified theory of evolution.B.Because they believe God created different species.C.Because the term creationism is unscientific.D.Because the term creationism is too direct.
问题:"Hidden" Species May Be Surprisingly CommonCryptic species animals that appear identical but are genetically quite distant—may be much more widespread than previously thought. The findings could have major implications in areas ranging from biodiversity estimates and wildlife management, to our understanding of infectious diseases and evolution.Reports of cryptic species have increased dramatically over the past two decades with the advent of relatively inexpensive DNA sequencing technology. Markus Pfenninger and Klaus Schwenk, of the Goethe-Universitat, in Frankfurt, Germany, analyzed all known data on cryptic animal species and discovered that they are found in equal proportions throughout all major branches of the animal kingdom and occur in equal numbers in all biogeographieal regions.Scientists had previously speculated that cryptic species were predominantly found in insects and reptiles, and were more likely to occur in tropical rather than temperate regions. "Species that are seemingly widespread and abundant could in reality be many different cryptic species that have low populations and are highly endangered. " Says Pfenninger. Until the genetic information of all species in at least one taxon is thoroughly studied, no one will know just how many cryptic species exist. "It could be as high as 30%. " Pfenninger says."I'm extremely surprised by their results. " Says Alex Smith of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. "It's a call to arms to keep doing the broad kind of genetic studies that we are doing. "Sampling as many individuals as possible, scientists hope to complete work on all fish and birds in another 5 to 10 years. Once either of these taxonomic groups is completed, Pfenninger says researchers will be able to decide how many cryptic species exist throughout the animal kingdom.Examples of cryptic species include the African elephant. A 2001 study found the elephants were actually two genetically distinct, non-interbreeding species, the African bush elephant and the African elephant. The species are currently listed as vulnerable and threatened, respectively, by the World Conservation Union (WCU).The reclassifications are more than an academic exercise. They define populations that have evolved independently of each other and whose genetic differences can have significant consequences. In the early 1900s misidentification of mosquito species based on morphology confused attempts to control malaria in Europe. Ultimately, what was thought to be a single species was actually made up of six sibling species, only three of which transmitted the disease. "The basic unit in biology is always the species, and you have to know what you are dealing with. " Pfenninger says. Much previous research is now no longer used, he says, because it is not clear what species was being studied.Which of the following about the significance of the research on cryptic species is NOT true?A.The results of the research can help the development of many other research areas.B.The results of the research can help the development of biodiversity estimates.C.The results of the research can help our understanding of infectious disease evolution.D.The results of the research can help our understanding of "survival of the fittest. "
问题:Paragraph 4 ______
问题:Hearing problems may be alleviated by changes in diet and exercise habits.A.removedB.curedC.worsenedD.relieved
问题:In Britain and many other countries appraisal is now a tool of management.A.evaluationB.efficiencyC.productionD.publicity
问题:What was scientists' understanding of cryptic species?A.They occurred in equal numbers in all biogeographical regions.B.They were mostly found in insects and reptiles.C.They were likely to be in tropical rather than temperate regions.D.Both B and C.
问题:The food is insufficient for three people.A.instantB.infiniteC.inexpensiveD.inadequate
问题:Which one of the following is NOT the reason for an overall lack of teaching Darwin's theory?A.Teaching of creationism diminishes teaching of evolution.B.Teachers are not required to teach Darwin's theory.C.teachers often leave out the teaching of evolution.D.Darwin's theory is denied as the central theory of biology.
问题:He is determined to consolidate his power.A.strengthenB.controlC.abandonD.exercise
问题:And the cars are tested for defects before leaving the factory.A.functionsB.faultsC.motionsD.parts