Evolution/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions about evolutionary mechanisms and theory, including genetic drift, mutation, natural selection, etc. I also can clear up misconceptions about evolution as it's sometimes talked about by those not well-versed in the subject (e.g., some politicians and many religious fundamentalists).
Experience in the area
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, and presently teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Genetics, Botany, and Zoology at the University of Miami.
Organizations
House Rabbit Society Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
Publications
Exotic DVM Magazine (veterinary journal)
Education/Credentials
B.S. in Biology B.A. in English Ph.D. in Biology
What do you like about this subject?
It has everything to do with who we are and where we are going as a species!
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
Since so many people have misconceptions about how evolution works, I'd like to help make the subject more clear and easier to understand for everyone, including non-scientists.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Humans did not "evolve from" apes or monkeys. The fossil record is not the best tool for studying evolutionary relationships.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
When someone asks me "Do you believe in evolution?" my answer is "No." Evolution is not a matter of belief or disbelief. It is an observable phenomenon that can be seen occurring all around us every day. So I don't believe in it: I see it and accept it as a fact. The only thing "theoretical" about evolution is the mechanisms by which it occurs.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo | 10/24/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks! Excellent response! |
| Geoff | 10/23/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for the detailed explanation. Re goldfish:- ..... |
| Matt | 09/28/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Very useful answer, thanks! |
| Eleanor | 09/28/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | That makes good sense, thanks! |
| husain | 09/25/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | always a pleasure to receive answers from ..... |
Recent Answers from Dana Krempels
2011-12-14 fish egg dispersal:
Dear Mr. George It might not be impossible if the eggs were extremely small. It would be a rare event, and I do not know of any confirmed cases. But I do not think it would be impossible under certain
2011-11-23 Singular technological intelligence:
Dear Infinity, I'll handle each question in turn: 1. Does "technological intelligence" ("TI") grant a species a survival and reproductive advantage in general in most local environments found on
2011-10-19 Human enhancement etc.:
Dear Geoff, Actually, goldfish are *not* the only animals that can see ultraviolet. Many insects can, as well as some species of birds (hummingbirds, for example, and possibly many others), and possibly
2011-10-18 Vertebrates with more than four legs:
Dear Andrew, A homeotic mutation can sometimes produce more than four limbs in an animal that is supposed to be a tetrapod. But in the short time we've been aware of this, no one has observed what
2011-10-09 Origin of the man.:
Dear Leonardo, This question is far too complicated to answer in a single email, and it would take many chapters of many books to completely fill you in. However, here are some good places to start
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