as an environmentalscience teacher, how would you respone to someone who tells you that he or she does not believe in biological evolution because it is just a theory, and we shoul not worry about air pollution because through natural selection, the human species will develop lungs that can detoxify pollutants? Provide factual evidence from earth's history( miller, 2005, pp.87-90)
Theories of evolution have evidence to support them.
Religious beliefs are also theories, even though believers may accept them as fact.
Evolutionary changes typically take place over thousands of years. Of course, millions of people who do not evolve this lung change will not survive.
You need to carefully read the pages you indicated, so you can back up these statements.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
As an environmental science teacher, if someone were to tell you that they don't believe in biological evolution because it's just a theory, and that we don't need to worry about air pollution because humans will evolve lungs that can detoxify pollutants, here's how you could respond:
1. Acknowledge their concern about the "theory" of evolution: Explain that in scientific terms, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a vast amount of evidence. The theory of biological evolution, like the theory of gravity, is supported by extensive research and observation. It is not just a mere speculation.
2. Emphasize the difference between scientific theories and religious beliefs: While religious beliefs are important to many people, they are not subjected to the same scientific scrutiny and evidence-based testing as theories in the natural sciences. Science strives to provide evidence-based explanations that can be tested and verified through experiments and observations.
3. Discuss the time frame of evolution: Evolutionary changes occur over long periods of time, often spanning thousands or even millions of years. The idea that humans will evolve lungs capable of detoxifying pollutants in a short time frame is unlikely. It is crucial to understand the gradual nature of evolution and the timescales involved when discussing its effects on environmental challenges.
4. Refer to relevant evidence from Earth's history (Miller, 2005, pp. 87-90): Miller's book provides extensive evidence supporting the theory of evolution. Use this resource to present specific examples of evolutionary processes and how they unfolded over time. It could include examples of natural selection acting on various species.
In conclusion, it is important to engage in a respectful and evidence-based conversation when discussing controversial topics like evolution and environmental issues. By providing factual evidence and encouraging a deeper understanding of scientific principles, you can help foster critical thinking and informed discussions.