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A look at linguistic evolution

Grade Level(s):

  • 9-12
  • 13-16
  • Advanced
  • General

Source:

  • Evolution: Education and Outreach

Resource type:

  • Article

Time: 40 minutes

Overview

We typically think of evolution occurring within populations of organisms. But in fact, evolutionary concepts can be applied even beyond the biological world. Any system that has variation, differential reproduction, and some form of inheritance will evolve if given enough time. Find out how an understanding of evolution can illuminate the field of linguistics.

This article appears at SpringerLink.

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  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Evolution results from selection acting upon genetic variation within a population. (LS4.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Evolution results from genetic drift acting upon genetic variation within a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Evolution results from natural selection acting upon genetic variation within a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Evolution results from genetic drift acting upon genetic variation within a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Evolution results from mutations.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Natural selection and genetic drift act on the variation that exists in a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] New heritable traits can result from mutations.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Mutation is a random process.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Random factors can affect the survival of individuals and of populations.
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 9-12] As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life.
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 13-16] As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life, for example in agriculture, biodiversity and conservation biology, and medicine and health.
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.B: Natural Selection

This article is written for teachers and comes with links to additional examples, supplementary information, and classroom tips.