Biography:

Prof. Kence graduated from the departments of Zoology and Botany at Istanbul University, Faculty of Science in 1968. He got his Ph.D. at the department of Ecology and Evolution, SUNY at Stony Brook in 1973. since 1974, he has been a faculty member at the Department of Biology, Middle East Technical University . He served as the executive secretary of the Basic Sciences Research Group at the Scientific and Technical Council of Turkey and the Head of the Department of Biology. His current interests are Conservation Biology and Genetics of Honeybee, Apis mellifera L. in Turkey. He works also in Conservation Ecology and Genetics of Anatolian mouflon, Ovis gmelinii anatolica, wild goat, Capre aegagrus and endemic fish species of the genus Psedophoxinus.

Abstract:

Teaching evolution in secondary schools: theoretical and pedagogical issues

One of the natural outcomes of evolution is the extinction of species. Many species are under the threat of extinction presently due to the causes resulting from rapid human population expansion such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, hunting, overharvesting and global warming. These factors may lead to loss of adaptation capacity to new environmental conditions by decreasing genetic diversity. Honey bees are of essential importance for humanity because they increase the yield of cultivated plants and play role in maintenance of flora through pollination. Therefore, recent widespread reports of colony losses in honey bees are matter of concern for future of ecosystems and humanity. We are working to determine the genetic diversity of the honey bees in Turkey and the potential causes of loss in genetic diversity. Turkey is known to be a genetic center for Middle Eastern honey bees. One of the main reasons for loss of genetic diversity appears to be the distribution of queen bees from a few localities leading homogenization of populations. We can prevent this homogenization to some extent by establishing conservation areas for bees of different subspecies. Two conservation areas for Caucasian bee (A. mellifera caucasica) have already been established. Studies to establish other conservation areas for other subspecies and ecotypes are continuing. The case of Turkish honey bees shows the importance of deliberate application of evolutionary biology to emerging problems of our world.