Controversies Within Evolutionary Theory

Controversies within evolutionary theory are debated by evolutionary biologists. For these scientists, the validity of the theory itself is given. The controversies concern details of the theory and its implications.
The following links lead to more information about some of these controversies, including both facts and interpretations.

The Burgess Shale
The Burgess Shale, from just after the "Cambrian Explosion," is one of the most important paleontological finds ever. Its correct interpretation has caused controvery and confusion. This paper provides an overview of the Burgess story.
Scientific Racism
Racists have used science to justify their views for many years. Evolution is just one aspect of science that has been used to defend racist ideas. This paper looks at the history of scientific racism.
Systematics
Sytematics, also known as taxonomy or classification, is simply the organization of species of organisms. Controversies arise over which system is best: those considering only evolutionary histories, those considering only physical characteristics, or some combination thereof.
Puntuated Equilibrium
In 1972, paleontologists Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould published a theory about Darwinian evolution that they called "punctuated equilibrium." Controversies arise over the validity of the theory, as well as whether it is really a new theory or just a restatement of what evolutionists had known all along.