Is there a reason that most people on the biology boards exhibit a lack of basic biological knowledge?

Question

When I saw the question that said 'What part of the cell influences heredity', I just about shat myself.

When I saw the question that said 'What part of the cell influences heredity?', I just about shat myself.

I'm a neuroscientist. I have thorough background in biology. I am surprised that most people on the biology boards are asking these questions.

This is a sorry nation.

Answer 1

I know, it is a shame that many of our people do not understand bacis biological factors. Many on this site are students looking for answers the easy way that when we were in school, we had to look up in a book to understand instead of getting a quick correct answer. It is my opinion, in Texas, High school is all about passing the TAKS test to be able to graduate. The teachers are in jepardy of losing their jobs if their kids don't pass and they get a bonus if they do. So what do they teach but the things on the test? I went back to college for an additional major and was surprised at the numbers of kids coming straight out of high school that knew nothing. For example, in College Algebra, we spent 8 weeks reviewing what they should have learned in High School. I have a degree in Biology, but am surprised at the number of kids that don't pass biology 1, that is what I learned in High school...It is sad and disturbing.

Answer 2

a million. i'm an atheist, yet I settle for evolution as a scientific thought that has no longer replace into scientific regulation yet. subsequently, technology can grant good information for evolution, yet won't be able to teach it with out doubt. 2. a minimum of the scientist can admit that he/she/they can't teach evolution a hundred% thoroughly. i'm waiting for a monotheist to confess that they can't teach God exists thoroughly. Afterall, the invisible and the non existant seem precisely an identical. 3. no longer all atheists are completely knowledgable on evolution, and a few (like me) do no longer even care to be. i'm no longer worried approximately what guy gave the impression of say 20,000 years in the past, i'm extra fascinated by being a brilliant husband, and a brilliant dad to my 4 teenagers, and dealing confusing at artwork, paying the charges. those issues are plenty extra suitable to my existence than the silent do no longer something invisible god. 4. i do no longer understand of any communities, yet i think of every person can renowned that Darwin's concept remains a scientific concept, and not a scientific regulation. So through fact technology won't be able to teach or disprove it, i do no longer think of there is any team available that can. maximum peoples information is "faith" which isn't information for the existance of God, much less grounds for disbeleif in evolution...

Answer 3

Biologists do have a great deal of knowledge and because you stumbled across some poor examples doesn't mean that all professionals are such. Unfortunately, most biologists as with physicians tend to isolate themselves in specialties and then to communicate with students, rely on general questions. We expect the students not to share our knowledge and to ask a question about pheochromocytoma to an intern or for that matter the life cycle of the Loa loa to a biology student is pointless. As both a biologist and a physician, I find your question rather egotistical.

Answer 4

maybe some people are asking questions like that because they truly don't know and want to know. it's up to people in the scientific community to be there and provide answers to the general public. that was information is accessable and not elitist. not everyone is a neuroscientist so you don't have to be a jerk about it.

pulitzer prize winning science writer natalie angier for the nytimes said that after her dad read her book, he said he just had one question: was a cell bigger than dna or the other way around? it just goes to show you that understanding even simple things about biology takes work and you can't underestimate that.

Answer 5

We are not as focused on education, as we once were and it is astounding that these same people will be our new leaders. Education is declining across the nation and across the races. Children can tell you more about a video game, clothing and jewlery the best rapper than geography, math or English. So to expect them to know the cell that influences heredity - DNA - it should show you that your DNA is reverting back to the apes.

Answer 6

I also think that a lot of the people who post questions here are using this to cover their laziness. Many, many of the questions are obviously homework questions which the students post here rather than opening their textbooks or expending a small amount of energy to find the answers on their own. It seems that many students think that asking a question here IS trying to find the answer on their own.

I heartily disagree, but at least two times that I have suggested that the asker simply get their book and study, I have been reported for violating the "community standards", and my answers have been removed.

Answer 7

hello katharine..

i would reccommend that you stop dissing people about spelling and god knows what else when people are asking questions. People ask questions, not to cheat, but to learn a little or gain an insight on a particular issue. You may have degrees in university courses, but sadly you lack the basics of common decency and public manner.

Reality check Katharine - your **** stinks like everyone elses.

Answer 8

I'm going to assume that question was asked by a student needing help with his or her homework. At least I hope so. Anyhow, as for most people, if you look on any board you will find a fair amount of questions as well as answers based on ignorance. However, I've found most of the answers are at least well thought out. Much more so that the questions.

Answer 9

I agree with Frank. No question is a dumb question if it is seriously asked. And, everyone has different areas of expertise.

The only questions I object to are the creationists trying to play "gotcha".

Answer 10

They are asking questions so they can get answers. Answer the question to spread knowledge of biology -- much better than grousing about it and not answering, right?