Understanding Evolution

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Understanding Evolution

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Mouse fur color

Grade Level(s):

  • 13-16

Source:

  • Evo-Ed

Resource type:

  • Case study

Time: One to two class periods

Overview

This case study in the form of a set of PowerPoint slides examines the evolution of light fur in beach mice from the molecular level up to the population genetics level.

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  • [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] Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Phenotype is a product of both genotype and the organism's interactions with the environment.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Variation of a character within a population may be discrete or continuous.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Continuous characters are generally influenced by many different genes.
  • [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] Organisms cannot intentionally produce adaptive mutations in response to environmental influences.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Complex structures may be produced incrementally by the accumulation of smaller advantageous mutations.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Over time, the proportion of individuals with advantageous traits may increase (and the proportion with disadvantageous traits may decrease) due to their chances of surviving and reproducing.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Traits that confer an advantage may persist in the population and are called adaptations.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] The number of offspring that survive to reproduce successfully is limited by environmental factors.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Depending on environmental conditions, inherited characteristics may be advantageous, neutral, or detrimental.

There are no NGSS/DCI concepts currently linked to this resource.

This series of slides provides direct links to studies and data sets and integrates active learning strategies such as clicker questions, minute papers, and think/pair/share. Students could review the website or ppt slides before class and clicker questions/application questions could be source of class discussion.

This resource currently lacks an associated teaching background.