Table 1 Guides’ understanding of evolutionary principles, as measured by the Knowledge of Evolution Exam (KEE)
Percent that responded correctly on KEE items | ||
|---|---|---|
KEE item # | Understanding of evolutionary principles | Guides |
1 | Can identify the several lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution | 50.82 |
2 | Can identify the occurrence of evolution by natural selection in an altered environment | 30.16 |
3 | Understand that fitness is measured by reproductive success | 40.03 |
4 | Can isolate steps leading to adaptation | 38.10 |
5 | Can select the correct definition of natural selection | 66.67 |
6 | Realize that genetic evidence suggests common ancestry for all organisms | 63.93 |
7 | Understand that natural selection is not a random process | 31.15 |
8 | Can identify the definition of evolution | 25.40 |
9 | Understand that mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation | 37.01 |
10 | Realize that natural selection is simply one mechanism that results in evolutionary change | 29.03 |
Average KEE score (%) | 44.0 | |