You Say You Want an Evolution

A recent study reported in the journal “Science” compared people’s view on evolution in 32 European countries, Japan and the United States.

1). Of those 34 countries, where does the United States rank on public acceptance of evolution?

A. 1st
B. 8th
C. 22nd
D. 33rd


2) Are Americans today more likely to believe in evolution today than they were 20 years ago, or less likely?

A. More likely
B. Less likely


ANSWERS
1) D: That’s right, Americans came in next to last in their acceptance of evolution. The only country surveyed where less people believe in evolution was Turkey.

2) B: Americans are less likely to believe in evolution than there were 20 years ago, with only 40 percent of Americans accepting it today, down from 45 percent 20 years ago.

Researchers said that Americans lagging in their acceptance of evolution can be chalked up to three things: ignorance (specifically of genetics and basic biology), the politicization of science, and a literally interpretation of the Bible.

Said study co-author Jon Miller of Michigan State University, “American Protestantism is more fundamentalist than anybody except perhaps the Islamic fundamentalists, which is why Turkey and [the United States] are so close.”