• [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] People selectively breed domesticated plants and animals to produce offspring with preferred characteristics.
• [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 phenotype as an expression of genotype.
• [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] The amount of genetic variation in a population may affect the chances of survival of the population; the less diversity, the less likely the population will be able to survive environmental change.
• [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] Depending on environmental conditions, inherited characteristics may be advantageous, neutral, or detrimental.
• [Studying evolution: Grades 9-12] Classification is based on evolutionary relationships.
• [Studying evolution: Grades 9-12] As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life.

• Disciplinary Core Idea LS3.B: Variation of Traits
• Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.B: Natural Selection
• Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.C: Adaptation

This article is one of a set of three (agriculture, conservation, and medicine) that can be used to teach about the relevance of evolution. This article exemplifies many different evolutionary concepts and would be well-supported by materials focusing on each of these concepts in particular. It touches on some fairly advanced topics towards the end.

• Artificial Selection
• Classification/Phylogenetics
• Genetic Variation
• Relevance