The Science Channel’s series “Through the Wormhole” scientifically “explores the deepest mysteries of existence — the questions that have puzzled mankind for eternity.” The newest episode addresses the issue of genetic evolution, race, and intelligence.

The producers decided that it was useful to talk to an expert on dog breeding as a way to explain genetic evolution/mutation in humans. The operative assertion is: we can breed dogs for intelligence, so different “races” of humans could have evolved different levels of intelligence. They go on to talk to a controversial sociologist whose research supports this assertion.

Both experts present highly problematic arguments that support the idea that race can be a valid predictor of intelligence (the “towel test” the canine expert uses is an example of this). The show, unfortunately, leaves many of the more interesting and valid social-scientific discussions of race and of the relationship between genetics, intelligence, and behavior undiscussed or glossed-over. For example, the problematic nature of “race” as a biological fact (when it is indeed primarily a social one), the issue of “intelligence” (the definition and attainment of which is also primarily social in origin), the problems with the application of human-centered measures of intelligence to non-human animal behavior, and the false parallel between purposive animal breeding and more random human reproduction…

Importantly, characteristics that make up “race” and “intelligence” are more accurately represented on spectrums, rather than in (invalid) static categories. Drawing causal paths through these categories (vis-a-vis assertions about animal behavior) to make arguments about genetic evolution in humans is highly problematic, and ignores the accepted sociological discussions of these issues. This all makes for good TV, but seriously misinforms the public.

I am reminded of the coverage of climate denial…

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