226
Biyoloji Öğretmen Adaylarının Evrim…
Misconceptions of Prospective Biology…
NEF-EFMED Cilt 11, Sayı 2, Aralık 2017/
NFE-EJMSE Vol. 11, No. 2, December 2017
statements above, to carry an image of evolution extending from the simpler towards the more
complex. The opinion ends up with the judgment that human is the most perfect creature.
Actually, as one of the most important mechanisms of the theory of evolution, natural
selection neither selects members with strengths nor allows the transfer of such strengths to
next generations, but only selects individuals capable of surviving under existing conditions
(Hasenekoğlu, 2002). Natural selection is not merely a selection towards better properties.
Rather it is a selection process where members with poor properties may also be selected
(Understanding Evolution, 2013). One of the basic principles of Darwin's theory is that "there
is no objective ground rendering a species superior to others (Dawkins, 2004). In other words,
no creature needs to be perfect. In a habitat, a "better" one may not be that good in another
habitat. Selection value does not depend on progression but the environment.
38.46% of the students provided wrong answers to the fourth question (Table 2).
When asked about the reasons, majority of the students are observed, as demonstrated by the
above statements, to carry the misconception that variations in creatures date back to
prehistoric time, therefore, since evolution took place in the past, it is impossible go back to
history and observe this process. Actually, such misconception may rather be attributed to
poor knowledge of students in how science works. Because many of the scientific researchers
do not involve experiments or direct observations. Astronauts cannot hold the stars; geologists
cannot go back to the past. Likewise, evolutionary biologists make observations in today's
world and work by making comparisons. Evolutionary laboratory experiments may be carried
out with creatures having a short life span (Understanding Evolution, 2013). Today,
organisms getting evolved under a laboratory setting or in the natural life can be observed
(Varela, 2009).
86.32% of the students provided wrong answers to the fifth question (Table 2). When
asked about the reasons, some of the students are determined, as demonstrated by the
statements above, to have the misconception that there is no evidence supporting the theory of
evolution. This is mainly underpinned at the arguments of anti-evolution groups, in particular
in press and media, that there is no evidence of evolution. Scientific theories are broad
descriptions made for a particular phenomenon. Gaining the acceptance of scientific
communities owes to sufficient number of evidences from distinct fields. And the theory of
evolution is sufficiently supported by evidences and accepted (Understanding Evolution,
2013). Evidences supporting the theory of evolution are abundant, diversified and originate
from distinct fields (Alters & Alters, 2001; Hasenekoğlu, 2002).
KESKİN, B. & ÖZAY KÖSE, E.
227
Necatibey Eğitim Fakültesi Elektronik Fen ve Matematik Eğitimi Dergisi
Necatibey Faculty of Education, Electronic Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
47.86% of the students provided wrong answers to the sixth question (Table 2). When
asked about the reasons, some of the students are observed, as demonstrated by the statements
above, to have the misconception that evolution does not explain diversity at all or that it
explains diversity only in animals. This statement results from a misconception about the
nature of science. All scientific theories are constantly flourishing. And new evidence leads to
new ideas and reshapes our understanding of how earth functions. Even though we do not
know everything, we strive much to figure out the unknown thanks to the contribution of
science. In the future, we will keep learning tons of new information. Despite the theory of
evolution does not explain everything in nature, it offers knowledge proven through
thousands of experiments and observations in a wide range of fields. Now, the theory of
evolution is the unique scientific theory explaining the diversity of life (Understanding
Evolution, 2013).
70.09% of the students provided wrong answers to the seventh question (Table 2).
When asked about the reasons, majority of the students are observed, as demonstrated by the
statements above, to have the misconception that there are no transitional fossils between
species. This may be underpinned at the consistent arguments of anti-evolution groups, again
in press and media, that there are no transitional forms between species. If theory of evolution
is true, then there should be fossils of intermediate forms showing the cross-transition of
living species in fossil records. Indeed, paleontologists have found myriad of transitional form
fossils providing the link between modern species and older forms (Varela, 2009). For
example, there is a serial intermediate form fossil for the size and shape of the skull showing
transition from mammals to reptiles (Hasenekoğlu, 2002). It is true that there are gaps in
fossil records. But this cannot serve as an evidence that may be employed against the theory
of evolution. If the theory of evolution is true, then we may not necessarily expect to find the
fossil records of these transitional forms. Because fossils of many creatures could not be kept
up to the present time. Despite this, paleontologists have found and continue to find many
fossils of organisms with transitional forms (Understanding Evolution, 2013).
70.09% of the students provided wrong answers to the eighth question (Table 2).
When asked about the reasons, majority of the students are observed, as demonstrated by the
statements above, to have the misconception that this is not supported by or this is refuted by
proof. In fact, the theory of evolution is the most comprehensive and powerful description that
explains, by employing the evidences it has picked through distinct disciplines, the
similarities and differences of creatures on earth (Alles, 2001). Science is a competitive effort,