Objective:

Collect, organize, and succinctly integrate information concerning the phenomena of evolution and the theories of evolutionary biology.  The writing should be clear and accessible to the interested layman, but also of use to scientists seeking knowledge outside their areas of specialization.  Provide information online and, if possible, via a printed version.

Individuals contribute essays on topics or comments on existing essays.  Multiple essays on topics may be posted online.  Essays should have a common structure, at least in major items, to make the information more accessible across the project.  Commentary should follow each essay.  All contributions, whether of essays or comments, are to be clearly credited.  Contributions and commentary are made with the understanding that a copyrighted printed product is an eventual goal.

Outline:

I. Fundamental Concepts (not actually evolution, but necessary pre-reqs)
1. Population Dynamics
2. Reproduction and Inheritance
3. Introductory Genetics
4. Introductory Biochemistry
 
II. The Phenomena of Evolution as Evidenced By:
1. Genetics
2. Molecular Biology
3. Paleontology, Stratigraphy, and Taphonomy
Online resources:
Transitional Vertebrate Fossils FAQ by Kathleen Hunt
Fossil Hominids FAQ by Jim Foley
4. Systematics
5. Ethology
6. Speciation
Online resources:
Observed Instances of Speciation FAQ by Joseph Boxhorn
Some More Observed Speciation Events
7. Biogeography
8. Embryology
9. Comparative Anatomy
10. Co-Adaptation
11. Physiology
12. Evolutionary Computation (Genetic Algorithms, Genetic Programming, Artificial Life, etc.)
Online resources:
Criticisms of Evolutionary Computation by Wesley R. Elsberry
 
III. The Theories of Evolution
1. Theories of Adaptation
A. Natural Selection
B. Lamarckism
C. Bathmism
D. Orthogenesis
E. Aristogenesis
F. Neo-Darwinism
G. Sexual Selection
 
2. Theories of Non-adaptive Evolution
A. The Neutral Theory and Genetic Drift
Online resources:
Random Genetic Drift by Laurence A. Moran
 
3. Inclusive Theories
A. The Modern Synthesis
Online resources:
The Modern Synthesis of Genetics and Evolution by Laurence A. Moran
 
4. Other Evolutionary Mechanism Theories
A. Common Descent
B. Theory of Allopatric Speciation via Peripheral Isolates
C. Punctuated Equilibria
Online Resources:
Punctuated Equilibria FAQ by Wesley R. Elsberry
D. Horizontal Transfer of Genetic Material
E. Symbiosis
 
5. Predictions Made from Evolutionary Theories

6. Abiogenesis (not evolution, but an origins related topic)

7. Concluding Overview of Evolutionary Mechanism Theories

IV. Combined Glossary of Terms and Phrases
 

Essay Structure:

To make the information readily accessible, the following is a proposed structure for each essay to follow.  Authors should provide at least these topical areas, but may feel free to add additional high-level or fine structure as they see fit.

 1. Introduction
 2. Historical overview
 3. Case studies
 4. Conclusion
 5. References
 6. Glossary

Mark Isaac
Kevin L. O'Brien