Category: Evolution
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Hardy Weinberg Problemset
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) is a fundamental concept in population genetics that describes the theoretical relationship between allele frequencies and genotype frequencies in an ideal, non-evolving population. Students can practice using the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium equation to determine the allele frequencies in a population. This set of 10 questions gives students just enough information to solve…
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Evolution – VIDA chart
This chart is used as a graphic organizer to help students understand the process of evolution by natural selection. I use this chart multiple times throughout the unit, basically for each model organism we study. VIDA means: Variation, Inheritance, Differential Survival and Reproduction, Adaptation. These principles apply not matter what organism you are studying. For…
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Reinforcement: Evolution
This worksheet was designed for an introductory biology class where students are exposed to basic concepts of biology. The unit covers the history of evolutionary thought (Darwin and the finches of the Galapagos) I focus more on modern examples of evolution, such as rock pocket mice and giraffes. Students match a description or definition to…
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The Lion in Your Living Room
A video worksheet to follow the documentary The Lion in Your Living Room. Includes multiple choice questions to keep students focused while watching the film.
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Phylogenetic Tree – Canines
Students examine a phylogenetic tree which has questions for them to discover how the tree is organized. Students will learn what a node is, and how branches on the tree represent descendants from a common ancestor.
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African Elephant – Change Over Time
Students read about how elephant populations declined over a century due to the ivory trade and how international laws attempt to protect elephants. A video shows how female elephants in some areas have evolved the tuskless trait in response to selective pressure from poaching.
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How Do Bunny Populations Change Over Time?
A set of images show how rabbits change over time as a result of selective pressure from wolf predation. Students match each graphic with one of the four steps of evolution on the VIDA chart: variation, inheritance, differential survival, and adaptation.
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Dogs Decoded – Nova Video
One of my favorite evolutionary videos is this Nova production on dogs, called “Dogs Decoded.” This is a great program to bridge the topic of genetics to evolution. The program starts by examining the unique relationship humans have with dogs, and how dog evolution was shaped by that relationship.
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Teddy Graham Lab Modeling HW Equilibrium
Model Hardy Weinberg equilibrium using Teddy Grahams. Compare happy bears to sad bears.
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Zoo Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt for the zoo. Students to find animals from the list and photograph them with their cell phones and upload them to Google classroom.
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Case Study: How Do Tibetans Survive High Altitudes
Based on the Berkeley website: Understanding Evolution, this version focuses on the how the body maintains homeostasis at high altitudes. This involves increased production of red blood cells to improve oxygen supplies to tissues. Tibetan populations have adapted to high altitudes by producing fewer red blood cells which improves fetal mortality rates. Case looks…
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Data Analysis: Funky Juncos
View a short video about how a group of birds split from the main population and evolved in relative isolation near a college campus. The film is is 88 minutes long and all of its parts can be viewed at the Juncoproject.com, though for this activity, only one 16 minute chapter is viewed. The…
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Data Analysis: Virginia Opossum and Color Variations
Students examine scatter plots that show phenotype variations among opossums in North America, exhibiting variations in coat color, ear length, and size.
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Investigation: Gene Switches in Stickleback Fish
This activity was modified from HHMI’s “Modeling the Regulatory Switches of the Pitx1 Gene in Stickleback Fish” The activity is presented as a type of investigation or case study where students examine regulatory switches and was a short film that describes the role of the Pitx1 gene in the development of spines. Students can work…
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Evolution: Fact, Fiction, or Opinion
This lesson can be used to introduce evolution and establish what your students already understand (or misunderstand) about evolutionary theory. Statements can be printed and cut into slips and students work in small groups to categorize each statement as either Fact, Fiction, or Opinion. The included answer key has quick explanations as well…