Over 55s were less likely to opt for evolution than other groups
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Just under half of Britons accept the theory of evolution as the
best description for the development of life, according to an opinion
poll.
Furthermore, more than 40% of those questioned believe
that creationism or intelligent design (ID) should be taught in school
science lessons.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI for the BBC's Horizon series.
Its latest programme, A War on Science, looks into the attempt to introduce ID into science classes in the US.
Over 2,000 participants took part in the survey, and
were asked what best described their view of the origin and development
of life: - 22% chose creationism
- 17% opted for intelligent design
- 48% selected evolution theory
- and the rest did not know.
Intelligent design is the concept that certain features
of living things are so complex that their existence is better
explained by an "intelligent process" than natural selection.
Education questioned
Andrew Cohen, editor of Horizon, commented: "I think
that this poll represents our first introduction to the British
public's views on this issue.
"Most people would have expected the public to go for
evolution theory, but it seems there are lots of people who appear to
believe in an alternative theory for life's origins."
When given a choice of three descriptions for the
development of life on Earth, people were asked which one or ones they
would like to see taught in science lessons in British schools: - 44% said creationism should be included
- 41% intelligent design
- 69% wanted evolution as part of the science curriculum.
Participants over 55 were less likely to choose evolution over other groups.
"This really says something about the role of science
education in this country and begs us to question how we are teaching
evolutionary theory," Andrew Cohen added.
The findings prompted surprise from the scientific
community. Lord Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said: "It
is surprising that many should still be sceptical of Darwinian
evolution. Darwin proposed his theory nearly 150 years ago, and it is
now supported by an immense weight of evidence.
"We are, however, fortunate compared to the US in that
no major segment of UK religious or cultural life opposes the inclusion
of evolution in the school science curriculum."
In the US, a recent high profile court case ruled that
the intelligent design movement is motivated by a desire to introduce
God into the classroom.
This came after parents in Pennsylvania took a school
board to court for demanding that biology classes should not teach
evolution as fact.
Horizon: A War on Science was broadcast on BBC Two at 2100GMT on Thursday, 26 January 2006
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