Cosponsored by Department of Biology and Program in Behavior, Evolution, Ecology, and Systematics (BEES)

Rob Skipper - Dec. 3, noon
University of Cincinnati

Abstract
In 1947, R. A. Fisher and E. B. Ford published an experimental paper detailing their extended study of the evolution of the Scarlet Tiger moth, Panaxia dominula. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis, attributed to Sewall Wright, that random genetic drift is a main evolutionary factor. Wright criticized Fisher and Ford's study, and that criticism led to an acrimonious debate over the substantive differences between Wright's and Fisher's understanding of the evolutionary process. Fisher and Ford's Panaxia study would become, at 60 years running, one of the longest field studies demonstrating the efficacy of natural selection in evolution. In the last 10 years, work that severely questions the validity of the long term Panaxia study has arisen. This talk traces the persistent controversy over the Panaxia work and revisits Fisher's and Wright's original disagreement in light of the more recent research! : What, if anything, is wrong with the Panaxia?

Biography
Robert Skipper is Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Cincinnati. He received the Ph.D. in Philosophy, emphasizing History and Philosophy of Biology, from the University of Maryland, College Park. Skipper's research focuses on the conceptual foundations of 20th century population genetics. However, his interests extend to issues in scientific theory assessment, explanation, the relationship between environmental science and public policy. Skipper's research has been supported by the National Science Foundation. His work has appeared in Philosophy of Science and Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

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Fall 2001