Maybe the very existence of this blog is the constat that somehow, science failed at explaining the mechanisms of evolution to a broad audience. Intelligent design proponents are trying to make us think that a designer, an intelligence is hidden behind evolution, and that we must operate a synthesis between science and religion.

My point, with this blog, is to shed some light on their so-called arguments and theories.

Who am I, would you ask?

As said in the sidebar, I am a young synthetic evolution theory enthusiast, studying evolution, working in a lab of evolutionnists, where most of my work is dedicated to understand how species appear — and to actually watch it happen.

Maybe it’s time to introduce you the synthetic evolution theory, or modern evolutionary synthesis.
The main aim of this theory is to integrate parts of other hypothesis into a broad synthesis. It had a huge number of “fathers”, among whom Haldane, Mayr, Fisher, Huxley, and Dobzhansky (the very one who said Nothing in biology makes sense but in the light of Evoluion).

One could summarize this theory in five key points :

• Everything could be explained in a way consistent with both knowledges on genetic mechanisms and actual field observation
• Evolution is gradual, and “gaps” between taxa originate in extinctions, migrations, geographic separation, not saltation
• Selection is a driver of evolution, be it natural or sexual, and what is selected is a given phenotype in a given environment
• Ecology must be considered, as genetic diversity in the wild is important — modern synthesis relies heavily on population genetic concepts
• Gradualism is compatible with modifications in the rate of change, allowing a transition from micro to macro-evolution — historical contingency must be considered

Now what?

This is the theory of evolution I believe in — and believe must not be taken in the religious way. Now, I will just play my role of watchdog, and try to expose creationnist, intelligent design, and other scienligious (a neologism for science + religion) crap the best I can.

Stay tuned