Explains the adaptations to Antarctic waters that Notothenioidei, a group of advanced bony fishes, have exhibited. Discusses the fishes' mechanisms of production of antifreeze properties and their capacities for neutral buoyancy in water. (ML)

Discusses the work of evolutionary biologists in determining how sexual reproduction arose. Topics explored include the nature of sex, bacterial sex, meiotic sex, and asexual reproduction. A diagram (which can be used as a duplicating master) illustrating types of bacterial sex is included. (DH)

Presents 11 statements from the American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA) as revisions of the 1964 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) statement on race. (YDS)

Information on bats is provided, focusing on their diversity and distribution, characteristics, food habits, activities, roosting and social habits, reproduction, number of young and size at birth, hibernation, mortality and longevity, and movements and navigation. Additional information related to public health/disease concerns and bat management…

The board that advises the Secretary of HEW on ethics has given a qualified approval for further review of federal funding for research on human embryos conceived in the laboratory. Issues and concerns that influenced the board's decision are addressed. (JMD)

Discusses the divergence of apes from the Old World monkeys and the later divergence of humans from apes. Contrasts current views with those held approximately five years ago. Topics considered include hominoid evolution, hominoid radiation, dryomorphs and ramamorphs, appearance of the first hominids, and adaptive radiation of these hominids. (JN)

A critic of science identifies the ground from which emanate toys, games, and inventive play. The knowledge and other prerequisites characterizing the inventor of pastimes are examined, touching on the correspondence existing between the biological/physical sciences and games/inventions. (Author/JN)

Researchers have recently begun to use the tools of neuroscience to examine the social psychological responses associated with race. This article serves as a review of the developing literature in this area. It advances the argument that neuroscience studies of race have the potential to shape fundamental assumptions about race, and the interplay…

"Eukiefferiella" and "Tvetenia" are closely related genera belonging to the subfamily Orthocladiinae within the Chironomidae, a family of non-biting midges. All known larvae in these genera are aquatic, being found predominantly in running water. Most species prefer cold, swift-flowing, well-oxygenated streams. Although larvae…

Constructs an evolutionary sequence to account for the diversity of ion pumps found today. Explanations include primary ion pumps in bacteria, features and distribution of ATP-driven pumps, preference for cation transport, and proton pump reversal. The integrated evolutionary hypothesis should encourage new experimental approaches. (DH)

Presents a brief biographical sketch of Edward Osborne Wilson, Jr., who argues that societies evolve to fit their environment, just as individuals do, and that as a consequence social behavior is genetically programed. Highlights his views as presented in his publication "Sociobiology: The New Synthesis." (JN)

A history of the search for the structure of DNA, as revealed in the evolution of biochemistry and genetics textbooks, reveals that they are unacceptably tardy in presenting the current (or even the recent) state of knowledge. This problem places an extra burden on biology teachers to supplement these texts.

Recent developments in molecular biology and new interpretations of the fossil record are gradually altering and adding to Charles Darwin's theory, which has been the standard view of the process of evolution for 40 years. Several of these developments and interpretations are identified and discussed. (JN)

Discusses the molecular basis of cancer, focusing on genetics of the disease. Indicates that human cancers are initiated by oncogenes (altered versions of normal genes) and that in one case the critical alteration is a single point mutation that changes one amino acid in the protein encoded by the gene. (JN)

Discusses how existential philosophy and evolutionary biology enjoy substantial and hitherto unappreciated similarities, in particular in understanding life's fundamental absurdity, a relentless and productive focus on the individual, and an optimistic presumption of freedom. (SAH)