The following is a disclaimer placed in all Biology textbooks in the state of Alabama from 1996-2001 to discredit
the theory of evolution. Read it carefully and list at least four claims being made in this document that are either
outright false or misleading at best. Please explain why you feel they fall into these categories. Bonus points if
you find more than four (and there are).
THE ALABAMA EVOLUTION DISCLAIMER
A MESSAGE FROM THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
(1996-2001)
This textbook discusses evolution, a controversial theory some scientists present as a scientific explanation for
the origin and diversity 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.
Evolution refers to the unproven belief that random, undirected forces produced a world of living things. The
word "evolution" may refer to many types of change. Evolution describes changes that occur within a species.
(White moths, for example, may "evolve" into gray moths.) This process is microevolution, which can be
observed and described as fact. Evolution may also refer to the change of one living thing to another, such as
reptiles into birds. This process, called macroevolution, has never been observed and should be considered a
theory. And why are there no major groups of plants and animals that have transitional forms in the fossil
record?