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Table 1 Examples of science and scientific literacy in various science domains

From: Reconsidering the goals of evolution education: defining evolution and evolutionary literacy

Domain

Science literacy

Scientific literacy

Heredity

Learning about the transmission of DNA and chromosomes across generations

Understanding that not all of our genealogical ancestors are also our genetic ancestors, and so our ancestry is only partially reflected in our DNA

Molecular biology

Learning about gene expression

Understanding how complex disease is affected by genes, and thus evaluate the results of genetic tests and the related ability to predict the possible onset of a disease

Cell biology

Learning about the proliferation of cells

Understanding how the uncontrolled proliferation of cells can result in cancer

Ecology

Learning about the CO2 cycle in ecosystems

Understanding the extensive impact of human activities on the environmental levels of CO2 and the implications for climate change

Physics

Learning about the nature of X-ray radiation

Understanding the dangers and benefits from X-rays done for medical purposes

Earth science

Learning about plate tectonics

Understanding how to behave in the case of an earthquake, and what measures need to be taken in constructions to avoid the collapse of buildings

Chemistry

Learning about the nature of polymers such as plastic

Understanding how the accumulation of plastic results in pollution