Around 48 percent of Americans think human evolved from lower species of animals, a small study by National Science Foundation shows.

Researchers surveyed nearly 2,200 people. They were told to answer questions regarding physical sciences and biology. The authors conducted the study in 2012 and it was presented on Friday at an annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Chicago.

The poll results showed that 60 percent of American families visited science museums and zoos and 48 percent of the people thought human evolved from lower species of animals. Only 74 percent of those surveyed knew that Earth revolved around the sun

Just half of the participants correctly answered that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and only 39 percent of the respondents knew about the Big Bang Theory. 

"It's important for Americans to maintain a high regard for science and scientists. It can help ensure funding and help attract future scientists," John Besley of Michigan State University, who reviewed the data before the announcement, said in press release. 

The poll also found brighter side of the Americans. It stated that they were more keen to learn about science than Europeans. Over 90 percent of Americans said they are "very interested" or "moderately interested" in learning about new medical discoveries.

About a third of those surveyed said they thought science and technology should get more funding.

"Americans generally report higher levels of interest in [science and technology] issues than do residents of many European countries. A survey conducted... in the United States and 10 European countries [found]... For scientific issues, the United States had an average interest level of 6.0, which was greater than the 10-country European average of 5.6," the NSF study stated.