Evolutionary Theory and Key Figures

The video explores the history of evolutionary theory, starting with Darwin's 'Origin of Species' and Asa Gray's support at Harvard. It covers the debates between Asa Gray and Louis Agassiz, the development of the evolutionary synthesis by Ernst Mayr, and Alfred Romer's work on vertebrate evolution. E.O. Wilson's controversial book 'Sociobiology' is discussed, along with debates on the biological basis of human behavior involving Richard Lewontin and Stephen Jay Gould.

What was Asa Gray's stance on Darwin's theory of evolution?

• He was indifferent to it.

• He completely rejected it.

• He believed it was a threat to science.

• He supported it as long as it didn't exclude God.

Who was the main critic of Darwinism at Harvard?

• E.O. Wilson

• Ernst Mayr

• Louis Agassiz

• Asa Gray

By the end of the 19th century, how was Asa Gray viewed in terms of evolutionary theory?

• As a classic Darwinian evolutionist

• As a critic of Darwinism

• As an advocate for creationism

• As a supporter of Lamarckism

Who was a key figure in the unification of Mendelian genetics and Darwinian evolution?

• Alfred Romer

• Louis Agassiz

• E.O. Wilson

• Ernst Mayr

What field did Alfred Romer significantly contribute to?

• Vertebrate evolution

• Entomology

• Sociobiology

• Botany

What was the title of E.O. Wilson's controversial book?

• The Descent of Man

• The Selfish Gene

• Sociobiology

• The Origin of Species

What did E.O. Wilson extend evolutionary understanding to?

• The evolution of plants

• The behavior of animals and humans

• The development of ecosystems

• The origin of life

What was a major concern regarding Wilson's extension of evolutionary theory to human behavior?

• It was too focused on insects.

• It had social and political implications.

• It lacked scientific evidence.

• It contradicted Mendelian genetics.

Which two scientists had differing views from Wilson on human behavior?

• Asa Gray and Louis Agassiz

• Richard Lewontin and Stephen Jay Gould

• Ernst Mayr and Alfred Romer

• Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel

What did Richard Lewontin and Stephen Jay Gould emphasize in shaping human societies?

• Social, political, and economic choices

• Biological evolution

• Genetic determinism

• Environmental factors