Evolution HELP PLEASE!!?

Question

Whats the nature of scientific knowledge as demonstrated in the development of the theory of evolution. It should incorperate concepts of adaptation, natural selection, and descent from common ancestors.
I don't even know how to start this essay

I really need help i've read these three articles and i dont kno what to write about. I'm not too good with writing about science

Answer 1

The best way to start is to ask yourself what the term "scientific knowledge" actually means. Don't worry about it in terms of evolution. If I say "it's a scientific fact that...", what does it mean? What has to be true to say that?

You might also consider what is meant by a theory in science and how those change. There were theories like evolution before Darwin, and theories that attempted to explain the same things. Why was Darwin's more successful than others?

Once you have answers to those questions for yourself, then take a look at the development of the theory of evolution and couch your answer in those terms.

The essay at the link below may help you form your ideas. It has nothing to do with biology, but quite a bit to do with the nature of science.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Wikipedia has a good set of articles that should give you a basis to work from.

- Scientific theory http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory#Science
- Evolution http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution
- Neo-Darwinism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_synthesis

These are also very good sources:
- Everything you wanted to know about evolution (by New Scientist) (http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/evolution)
- Evolution for Beginners (http://www.evolution.mbdojo.com/evolution-for-beginners.html)
- http://www.wilstar.com/theories.htm - the differences and similarities between the scientific terms of theory, law, and hypothesis.

If you to go for something a little harder, try
- Evolution is a theory and a fact (http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/evolution-fact.html)

Answer 3

reading a book is a good way to start