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Bringing homologies into focus

Grade Level(s):

  • 9-12
  • Advanced
  • General

Source:

  • Evolution: Education and Outreach

Resource type:

  • Article

Time: 30 minutes

Overview

There's more to homologies and analogies than the iconic examples (e.g., the tetrapod limb) found in every high school textbook. This article goes beyond the basics to explore the many evolutionary scenarios that result in homoplasies and the many levels at which homologies might occur.
This article appears at SpringerLink.

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  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] An organism's features reflect its evolutionary history.
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] Features sometimes acquire new functions through natural selection
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] Similarities among existing organisms provide evidence for evolution. (LS4.A)
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] Anatomical similarities of living things reflect common ancestry. (LS4.A)
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] Developmental similarities of living things often reflect their relatedness. (LS4.A)
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] Not all similar traits are homologous; some are the result of convergent evolution.
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity

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