Proposes models for the evolution of the genetic code and translation mechanisms. Suggests that the translation process is so complex and precise that it must have evolved in many stages, and that the evolution of the code was influenced by the constraints imposed by the evolving translation mechanism. (EB)

Reports on presentations representing evolution at the 53rd annual meeting of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) which was held March 22-24, 2002. Explains evolutionary patterns, phylogenetic pageantry, molecular clocks, speciation and biogeography, speciation and macroevolution, and human-induced evolution of drugs-resistant…

Considers natural and cultural environmental factors likely to have been responsible for reduction in size of hominid teeth and simplification of their morphology during the Pleistocene. Cites fossil evidence and postulates selective mechanisms. (EB)

Outlines the four paths to the evolution and maintenance of cooperative behavior and provides two stories highlighting each path. Discusses reciprocity, byproduct mutualism, kin-selected cooperation, and group-selected cooperation. Presents some thoughts on where the study of animal cooperation might head in the future. Contains 67 references.…

Correlates paleontological and archaeological data and proposes that evolutionary changes in the "Progressive Neanderthals resulted from changes in hunting patterns with accompanying changes in tool manufacture, social grouping, and mating patterns. (EB)

Traces changes in the distribution and the extinction of many large mammals since the Pleistocene. Implicates man as the chief agent of extinction. (EB)

Traces the growth of theories of eugenics during the twentieth century, focussing on the work of H. J. Muller. Concludes that "Muller's lasting contribution was to write the hereditarian attitudes associated with traditional eugenics and the environmentalist's viewpoint associated with modern sociology to obtain a humane and reasoned approach to…

Illustrates the reciprocal relationships between the sciences and environmental ethics by examining the Darwinian theory of evolution and discussing its implications for ecologists and ethicists. (CCM)

Discusses the Scopes trial and other important court decisions associated with the teaching of evolution and creationism in public schools. Suggests that an understanding of these decisions can help teachers answer students' questions about teaching these subjects and also to counter the anti-science attitudes and actions of creationist parents,…

Presents a study in which a questionnaire was given to deans at North American medical schools to determine which aspects of evolutionary biology are included in the curricula and the factors that influence this. Suggests that most future physicians should learn evolutionary biology as undergraduates if they are to learn it at all. (Author/NB)

Describes scope, methods, and history of evolutionary biology. Illustrates the application of new mathematical treatments to problems of speciation, homology and ecology. Urges biologists to become familiar with these methods and to adopt a mathematical approach in teaching, arguing that much ecology taught today is irrelevant to theories now…

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)

Explores the relationship of state standards for the teaching of evolution to the actual teaching of that subject. Compares a grading of states for their performance and discusses the question of whether state standards matter. (MM)

Suggests that educators and scientists should not eliminate evolution from the high school biology curriculum but should support the efforts of biology teachers who have a commitment to and understanding of both biology and education, and who strive to provide an education of scientific integrity and value for all students. (MM)