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Academy defends evolution in face of US school debate

As Florida schools debated changes to their science curriculum, the US National Academy of Sciences on Thursday issued a spirited defense of evolution as the bedrock principle of modern biology, arguing that it, not creationism, must be taught in public school science classes.

The academy, which operates under a mandate from Congress to advise the government on science and technology matters, issued the report at a time when the theory of evolution, first offered in the 19th century, faces renewed attack by some religious conservatives.

ONGOING DEBATE

Creationism, based on the explanation offered in the Bible, and the related idea of "intelligent design" are not science and, as such, should not be taught in public school science classrooms, according to the report.

"We seem to have continuing challenges to the teaching of evolution in schools. That's something that doesn't seem to go away," Barbara Schaal, an evolutionary biologist at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, and vice president of the National Academy of Sciences, said in a telephone interview.

COMPATIBLE

The report stated that the idea of evolution can be fully compatible with religious faith.

"Science and religion are different ways of understanding the world. Needlessly placing them in opposition reduces the potential of each to contribute to a better future," the report said.

However, teaching creationist ideas in science classes confuses students about what constitutes science and what does not, the report's authors said.

The Florida state school board is considering revisions in science standards that would substitute the word evolution for "biological changes over time."

`NOT OBSERVABLE'

Lon and Ruth Klingman, both missionaries, arrived on Thursday with Bibles in hand to oppose the new proposed standards.

"I believe that God created the Earth and everyone that is on it," Lon Klingman said.

His wife, Ruth said: "I've never seen an ape turn into a human. It is not observable."

The State Board of Education will discuss the standards and vote on them on Feb. 19.

The rules would also require more in-depth discussion of evolution in science classes.
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