You are here:

Evolution/Expert Profile

Dana Krempels

U.S.
On Vacation
returns 11/24/2009
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

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Thierry11/13/0910101010Thank you very much Dana TM
Jason10/28/0910101010 
Husain10/25/0910101010I really appreciate all your input so .....
Jason10/25/0910101010Wow Dana what a thoughtful and fantastic .....
Shirley10/18/0910101010Dana 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

 

Ask A Question

All Answers

Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.