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Discusses the problem in scattered school districts in the United States over whether to teach creationism or intelligent design as alternatives to Darwin's theory of evolution. Tendency of many districts to duck controversy by avoiding any teaching of evolution; Article written by Cornelia Dean in "Science Times" citing ample evidence that evolution is often ignored in the classroom even through it is part of the curriculum.

The article discusses the unpleasant aspects of the natural world. It explores the philosophical interpretation of the nature of the Earth through an examination of the books "A Treatise on Human Nature" by David Hume, "Candide" by Voltaire, and "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" by Anne Dillard. Other topics include the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, research regarding the evolutionary biology of humans and animals, and the development of reproductive technology and contraception.

The article discusses the evolutionary theories for the development of the cicada nymphs from crawling to the shedding of the outer shells.

Comments on theodicy, which was a word coined by Gottfried Leibniz to represent divine retribution in nature. The kinds of theodices inspired by natural disasters, including classic Biblical theodicies that attempt to explain natural disasters; View that the 1775 earthquake in Lisbon strengthened thought in the Enlightenment; Suggestion of philosopher Susan Neiman that the earthquake separated moral evil from natural disaster; Issues in theodicy brought out by Hurricane Katrina that linked political power to catastrophe.

Considers the concept of intelligent design as an alternative to Darwinism. Evidence of deliberate design in the natural world; Arguments that intelligent design is a religious theory; Appeal of Darwinism.

The article discusses the health benefits of nature which help improve the mental health of people particularly for the city dwellers who have the high risks of anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses than people living in rural areas.

The article presents a quote on "Predator and Prey."

Darwin's theory of evolution has become the bedrock of modern biology. But for most of the theory's existence since 1859, even biologists have ignored or vigorously opposed it, in whole or in part. It is a testament to Darwin's extraordinary insight that it took almost a century for biologists to understand the essential correctness of his views. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses how scientists are trying to find new ways to express their views on evolution. Pressure from religious groups to teach alternatives to evolution, such as intelligent design, has caused some scientists to downplay the theories of Charles Darwin, founder of the theory of evolution. Evolutionary biologist Ulrich Kutschera stated that evolution is greater than the ideas outlined in Darwin's theory, and that it is a fully formed biological study. One book called "Evolution--A Critical Textbook," presents the view that a creator made basic types of animals: birds, bees, and humans, for example, and then a rapid microevolution spawned the diversity of species found today, although not within the human type, of which there is only one.

Presents the author's ideas regarding the merits of the rival theory of the intelligent design. Proposal of design as an explanation for biological systems; Explanation of the deep structure of life; Recognition of the effects of design on nature.

Focuses on the theory of "intelligent design," espoused by many anti-evolution critics, to explain the complex nature of human beings. Legislation in Georgia and Missouri, designed to limit the teaching of evolution in schools; Brief description of the theory of intelligent design, suggesting human beings are too complex to have evolved from natural forces; Discussion of the theory put forth in 1996 by biochemist Michael Behe of Lehigh University in Bethlehem (Pa.), as argued in his book "Darwin's Black Box," regarding the complexity of human beings; Notion of "irreducible complexity."

The article reports on statements by Vera L. Norwood, assistant professor of American studies at the University of New Mexico, on the writings of Rachel Carson, the American scientist and nature writer who lived from 1907 to 1964 and who wrote the books "Silent Spring," "The Sea Around Us" and "Under the Sea Wind." Norwood argued that Carson attempted to shape the manner in which the human mind understands nature.