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In order to understand the Landmark events in the Evolution v. Intelligent Design Debate, it is necessary to understand some basic terms and ideas that play a major part in some significant decisions that will be explained following the Introduction. As Science is such a broad term, it is difficult to define. Generally, it means the "human effort to understand, or to understand better, the history of the natural world and how the natural world works, with observable physical evidence as the basis of that understanding," as quoted by Dr. Bruce Railsback of University of Georgia. [1] As defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, a theory is "the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another." In science, a theory is a logical explanation, or a tested hypothesis, to a physical phenomenon in science. According to the scientific method [2], this hypothesis is continually tested through various experiments. After the hypothesis has been continually verified correct, the hypothesis can be considered a theory to predict what will happen in the future. In science, a theory can be considered valid until there is sufficient evidence to prove it wrong. [3] As defined by Britannica Online, "Evolution is the theory in biology postulating that the various types of plants, animals, and other living things on Earth have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations." [ 4] If a mutation occurs in a certain species that could benefit the life of this particular organism, (he/she/it is better suited for the current conditions than the others) he/she/it will survive longer than the rest. [5] This organism will also reproduce more as it will survive longer. The better suited type of this species will then last longer and become more prominent. This is also known as "Survival of the Fittest or “Natural Selection.” [6] **What is Intelligent design?** Intelligent Design is the “assertion or belief that physical and biological systems observed in the universe result from purposeful design by an intelligent being.” [7] Intelligent design proponents refute the Theory of Evolution and say that some systems are “ irreducibly complex” and that if “missing a part the systems would become, by definition, nonfunctional” [8]    The relationship between Evolution and Intelligent Design Advocates has become increasingly tense. Landmark cases, such as Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District, have peaked the interest of many people across the United States. Below is an annotated timeline of the important events related to the Evolution v. Intelligent Design Debate.
 * Introduction **
 * What is Science?**
 * What is a Theory?**
 * What is Evolution?**
 * How are the two related? **

[1] Railsback, Bruce, Dr. "What is Science?" __What is Science?__ 14 Dec. 2007. University of Georgia, Department of Geology. 22 Apr. 2008 < [|http://www.gly.uga.edu/railsback/1122science2.html#WHATISSCIENCE.)] [2]  ("Steps of the Scientific Method." __Science Buddies__. 2008. Kenneth Lafferty Hess Family Charitable Foundation. 22 Apr. 2008 < [|http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml> __] [3] __Helmenstine, Anne, Dr. "Scientific Hypothesis, Theory, Law Definitions."__ About.com__. 2008. About Inc. New York Times Company. 23 Apr. 2008 <[|http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistry101/a/lawtheory.htm>.]__ [4]  __"**Evolution**."__ Encyclopædia Britannica__. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 23 Apr. 2008 < [|http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106075 >. __ [5]  __"**evolution**."__ Encyclopædia Britannica__. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 23 Apr. 2008 < [|http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-49853 >. __ [6] __("Survival of the Fittest."__ Answers.com__. 2008. Answers Corporation. 22 Apr. 2008 [|http://www.answers.com/topic/survival-of-the-fittest?cat=technology.) [7] ("intelligent design." //The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition//. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 22 Apr. 2008. .) [8] ( [|http://www.nwcreation.net/intelligentdesign.html) (Michael Behe, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Lehigh University, 1996)