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 T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thierry | 11/13/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you very much Dana TM |
| Jason | 10/28/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Husain | 10/25/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I really appreciate all your input so ..... |
| Jason | 10/25/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Wow Dana what a thoughtful and fantastic ..... |
| Shirley | 10/18/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Dana Krempels took a lot of time ..... |
Recent Answers from Dana Krempels
2009-11-08 mutation rate:
Dear Thierry, One of the main reasons that scientists use organisms such as fruit flies, bacteria, mice, nematodes, etc. to study mutations is because they are not only easily manipulated in the lab
2009-11-06 mutation rate:
Dear Thierry, "Is it possible to estimate a number of generations necessary for a human mutation to appear naturally? (a good mutation, not one that would be weeded out because of uselessness or handicap)
2009-11-06 biological classification:
Dear Ricky, Traditionally, our classification system is based on the one created by Carl Linne (a.k.a. Linnaeus), Systema naturae. It was little more than a sorting system when Linnaeus first devised
2009-10-28 Evolutionary Development:
Dear Tom, Dr. Coyne is absolutely correct. Ernst Haeckle was on the right track, but his terminology wasn't quite consistent with what we now know to be true: More complex adult organisms are the
2009-10-25 molecular clock:
Dear Husain, You can find a good explanation here: http://books.google.com/books?id=n-C9qW5UPL4C&pg=PA244&lpg=PA244&dq=molecular+cl
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.