Read/post comments   - rated 2 times To rate this resource, click a star: Answer the security question: 5 + 5 =

Overview: The discovery of the platypus had the scientific world in an uproar with its mammal-like and bird-like features. How was one to classify the platypus? This case study uses this issue to model the scientific process, with scientists arguing, debating, collecting more evidence, and revising their opinions as new data become available. Author/Source: Herreid, Clyde Freeman Grade level: 13-16 Time: 1 to 2 hours, ideally split over multiple class periods Teaching tips: Use this resource to relate evolutionary concepts to the topic of classification or to the nature and process of science (or get more suggestions for incorporating evolution throughout your biology syllabus). Concepts: Present-day species evolved from earlier species; the relatedness of organisms is the result of common ancestry. An organism’s features reflect its evolutionary history. Similarities among existing organisms (including morphological, developmental, and molecular similarities) reflect common ancestry and provide evidence for evolution. Evolution does not consist of progress in any particular direction. Scientific knowledge is open to question and revision as we come up with new ideas and discover new evidence. A hallmark of science is exposing ideas to testing. Scientists may explore many different hypotheses to explain their observations. Our knowledge of the evolution of living things is always being refined as we gather more evidence. Our understanding of life through time is based upon multiple lines of evidence. Classification is based on evolutionary relationships. Teacher background: Nature of Science

Comment on this resource

Share how you used this resource in your classroom, suggestions for modifying it, and whether you liked using it.

<< Back to search results