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Adaptations: Using Darwin's Origin to teach biology and writing
Author(s) -
Morris James R.,
Costa James T.,
Berry Andrew
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.84
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1558-5646
pISSN - 0014-3820
DOI - 10.1111/evo.12759
Subject(s) - darwin (adl) , biology , origin of species , natural selection , rhetorical question , argument (complex analysis) , charles darwin , construct (python library) , evolutionary biology , selection (genetic algorithm) , epistemology , darwinism , modern evolutionary synthesis , linguistics , philosophy , computer science , artificial intelligence , biochemistry , software engineering , programming language
Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species is at once familiar and unfamiliar. Everyone knows that the Origin introduced the world to the idea of evolution by natural selection, but few of us have actually read it. We suggest that it is worth taking the time not only to read what Darwin had to say, but also to use the Origin to teach both biology and writing. It provides scientific lessons in areas beyond evolutionary biology, such as ecology and biogeography. In addition, it provides valuable rhetorical lessons—how to construct an argument, write persuasively, make use of evidence, know your audience, and anticipate counterarguments. We have been using the Origin in various classes for several years, introducing new generations to Darwin, in his own words.