Misconception: “Evolution leads to immoral behavior. If children are taught that they are animals, they will behave like animals.”

Response: Humans are members of the animal kingdom. We share anatomical and biochemical traits with other animals, and there are many behaviors that we share—we care for our young, we form cooperative groups, etc. There are other behaviors that are specific to particular animals. In this sense, humans act like humans, slugs act like slugs, and squirrels act like squirrels. It is unlikely that children, upon learning that they are related to all other animals, will start to behave like jellyfish or raccoons.

Linking immoral or inappropriate behavior to evolution makes no sense. Morality is not based on what is, but on what ought to be.