Americans Reject Evolution

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States disagree with the theory of evolution, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. 54 per cent of respondents reject the notion that human beings developed from earlier species.

Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species" was first published in 1859. The book details the British naturalist's theory that all organisms gradually evolve through the process of natural selection. Darwin's views were antagonistic to creationism, the belief that a more powerful being or a deity created life. 64 per cent of respondents think humans were created directly by God, while 22 per cent favour evolution. Ten per cent of respondents support the concept of intelligent design, which suggests certain biological mechanisms are too complex to have developed without the involvement of a powerful force or intelligent being.

In the United States, the debate on the topic accelerated after the 1925 Scopes trial, which tested a law that banned the teaching of evolution in Tennessee public schools. Last year, Georgia's Cobb County was at the centre of a controversy on whether science textbooks that explain evolutionary theory should include disclaimer stickers. 55 per cent of respondents believe all three theories-creationism, evolution and intelligent design-should be taught in public schools.

The Kansas State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on new proposed science standards for the teaching of evolution in August. The latest draft includes criticism of evolution by proponents of intelligent design....