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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prashant S Akerkar | 04/08/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Dear Prof Dana Thank you. Thanks & ..... |
| Monique | 02/13/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks SO much for your time and ..... |
| Robert | 01/31/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I agree that genetic drift should have ..... |
| Prashant S Akerkar | 12/24/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Dear Dr Dana Thank you. Thanks & ..... |
| Tingting | 05/31/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Dear Dana, Thank you for helping me ..... |
Recent Answers from Dana Krempels
2013-04-05 Forensic Science (Labs) Specialization.:
Dear Prashant, You don't need an M.D. to become a specialist in forensic medicine. In fact, many institutions that offer degrees in forensic medicine offer Masters degrees, though some also offer doctorates
2013-02-28 Question about Natural Selection -- when can variation occur?:
Dear Allie, Sorry for the delay in answering. I hope this is still timely enough. Mutations can happen in any cell, but only if the DNA in that cell is passed on to the next generation will it have
2013-01-25 Richard Sternberg and Whales:
Dear Robert, Well, his argument is interesting, and I'm glad he wasn't trying to invoke Intelligent Design or any other religious nonsense. He does say very clearly that his ONLY problem with the idea
2012-12-20 Right v/s Left Handed / Footed Human Beings.:
Dear Prashant, Short answer: no one really knows. Not yet. There are many scholarly articles exploring this, and you have found some of the overviews. As you can see, there is no full agreement
2012-08-13 FOSSIL FUELS:
Dear Lakshman, Yes, it can happen. Even if there are microorganisms present where plants and animals fossilize, they might not have the proper environmental conditions to metabolize and break down
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