Warm Up 1 is due Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 9:30 am.


Please type the last 4 digits of your Student ID Number: (Important!)
Please type your LAST name, and FIRST initial or first name:
Please type in a 'nickname': (In case your answer is used in class)


The following three questions refer to material you were to read in preparation for class. These questions require you to write a three or four sentence response. It is OK to answer 'I don't know' - but STATE WHY you are confused! (Don't just say 'I don't know' - you probably DO!) Each WarmUp worth 3 points if answered on time and must be submitted via the web.

QUESTION 1: What is the difference between a theory and a belief? You may want to look these terms up before answering. Be as specific as you can, and give an example of each.

QUESTION 2: What characteristic determines whether organisms belong to the same species? Why are, for instance, are Rottweilers, bulldogs, and poodles - phenotypically (ie physical appearance) very different - considered to be members of the same species - dogs? Why are all humans, despite our numerous phenotypic differences, considered to be one species?

QUESTION 3: Cells are generally microscopic, ranging in size from about 50 microns for animal cells to as small as 1 micron for bacterial cells. Why do you think that cells - animal, plant, or bacteria - don't get any bigger than this? Why do you think we are made of 75 trillion very small cells, rather than just a bunch of very large cells?


QUESTION 4 Totally Optional: (ie none of my business): but if you would like to answer this, I would like to hear your thoughts. I will not share these answers with the class. Do you feel that there is an 'either / or' choice between your religious beliefs and evolutionary theory - ie. that you must reject the idea of evolution because of your religious beliefs, or that you can't believe in God if you accept the evidence for evolution? Is it possible to have both a belief in God and an acceptance of the evidence supporting evolution?

You may change your mind as often as you wish. When you are satisfied with your responses click the SUBMIT button. You will receive a "THANK YOU" page as a confirmation that your response has been sent to me.

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