Exploring evolution in the context of molecular genetics and ecology: a dual perspective

Abstract The teaching of evolution stands as a cornerstone in the realm of biological sciences, yet how best to frame and teach the complex web of concepts that are a part of evolutionary theory is still under debate. To address this issue, we propose two sequences for teaching the evolution ideas and concepts that are included in the Israeli curriculum for upper secondary school, starting from either the foundational principles of molecular genetics or the intricate dynamics of ecology or integrating both. This approach involves considering the strengths of both molecular genetics and ecology as frameworks for understanding evolution, recognizing that each perspective offers valuable insights that can enrich students' understanding of the topic. Molecular genetics is the area of evolutionary theory that relies on terms such as genes, alleles, and mutations. Ecology offers a broader, more holistic view of evolution and includes the dynamic interplay between organisms and their environment. The molecular genetics sequence focuses on the mechanism of evolution and the ecology sequence focuses on the external factors that affect the mechanism. This dual approach creates options for teachers; they can take into consideration each path’s advantages and use the characteristics of their classes to choose one of the suggested perspectives or integrate both perspectives to teach evolution.