Understanding Evolution

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Understanding Evolution

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Clipbirds

Grade Level(s):

  • 6-8
  • 9-12

Source:

  • UC Museum of Paleontology

Resource type:

  • Classroom activity

Time: One class period

Overview

Students learn about variation, reproductive isolation, natural selection, and adaptation through this version of the bird beak activity.

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  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Evolution results from natural selection acting upon variation within a population. (LS4.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] There is variation within a population. (LS3.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Traits that are advantageous often persist in a population. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Individual organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and have offspring. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] The number of offspring that survive to reproduce successfully is limited by environmental factors. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Organisms with similar requirements may compete with one another for limited resources.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 6-8] Environmental changes may provide opportunities that can influence natural selection. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [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] There is variation within a population. (LS3.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection acts on the variation that exists in a population. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Traits that confer an advantage may persist in the population and are called adaptations. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection is dependent on environmental conditions.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Over time, the proportion of individuals with advantageous characteristics may increase due to their likelihood of surviving and reproducing. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] The number of offspring that survive to reproduce successfully is limited by environmental factors. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Depending on environmental conditions, inherited characteristics may be advantageous, neutral, or detrimental.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Random factors can affect the survival of individuals and of populations.
  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] A hallmark of science is exposing ideas to testing. (P3, P4, P6, P7)
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS3.B: Variation of Traits
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.B: Natural Selection
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.C: Adaptation
  • Science and Engineering Practice 3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Science and Engineering Practice 4. Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Science and Engineering Practice 6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
  • Science and Engineering Practice 7. Engaging in argument from evidence
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