Learning Gig Resources
The Basics of Natural Selection
Explains Charles Darwin's principles of natural selection and their modern interpretation.
Competition and Evolution: Why Some Traits Survive
Discusses the role of competition and environmental pressures in shaping evolution.
Evidence for Evolution: Fossils, Anatomy, and DNA
Explores the scientific evidence supporting evolution, highlighting fossil records, homologous structures, and genetic data.
The Modern Synthesis of Evolution
Integrates Mendelian genetics with Darwinian theory to explain the full picture of evolution.
Project Work (Recommended)
Evolutionary Traits in Action: Modeling Natural Selection
Students simulate a population under environmental pressures to understand how traits impact survival and reproduction.
1-3 students
Designing an Evolutionary Timeline
Students research and create a detailed timeline that traces the evolution of a chosen species, highlighting fossil evidence, major adaptations, and environmental changes.
1-3 studentsNatural Selection and Evolution
Exploring principles, mechanisms, and evidence for evolution.
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce.
Variation
Variation
Differences among individuals in a population, such as size or color.
Adaptation
Adaptation
Trait that improves survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
Survival of the Fittest
Survival of the Fittest
Organisms most suited to their environment survive to reproduce.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic Resistance
Bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics through natural selection.
Fossil Records
Fossil Records
Chronological evidence showing changes in species over time.
Homologous Structures
Homologous Structures
Similar structures in different species indicating a common ancestor.
Genetic Drift
Genetic Drift
Random changes in allele frequencies, affecting small populations.
Mutations
Mutations
Random DNA changes that introduce new traits into a population.
Gene Flow
Gene Flow
Exchange of genes between populations, increasing genetic diversity.
Vestigial Structures
Vestigial Structures
Anatomical remnants that no longer serve a function.
Comparative Anatomy
Comparative Anatomy
Study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of species.
Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology
Genetic evidence showing evolutionary relationships through DNA.
Darwin's Finches
Darwin's Finches
Example of adaptive radiation and natural selection on Galápagos Islands.
Predator-Prey Evolution
Predator-Prey Evolution
Competition driving reciprocal adaptations between predator and prey.
Transitional Forms
Transitional Forms
Fossils showing intermediate states between ancestral and modern species.
Competitive Exclusion
Competitive Exclusion
One species outcompetes another, leading to extinction in that niche.
Adaptive Radiation
Adaptive Radiation
One species evolves into many, adapting to diverse environments.
Modern Synthesis
Modern Synthesis
Integration of Mendelian genetics with Darwinian evolution.
Natural Selection and Evolution Study Guide
This guide outlines key concepts and areas to focus on for your assessment on natural selection and evolution.
Session Schedule
Learning Gigs are self-paced and this schedule is only an aid for a classroom setting.- Watch the introductory video: Darwin and Natural Selection: Crash Course History of Science #22.
- Read the article: The Basics of Natural Selection.
- Review the slideshow: Natural Selection and Evolution to understand key terms like variation, adaptation, and survival of the fittest.
- Watch the video: Evolution by the Amoeba Sisters to introduce broad evolutionary mechanisms and concepts.
- Discuss the project descriptions and outline initial plans for project work.
- Read the article: Competition and Evolution: Why Some Traits Survive.
- Watch the video: Evidence of Evolution.
- Read the article: Evidence for Evolution: Fossils, Anatomy, and DNA.
- Independent learning: Begin annotating the study guide, focusing on sections that align with project goals.
- Work on both projects: Continue drafting models, gathering research, and setting up simulations.
- Review the slideshow: Focus on advanced topics like Genetic Drift and Modern Synthesis.
- Watch the video: Mutations by the Amoeba Sisters to understand the role of genetic changes in evolution.
- Read the article: The Modern Synthesis of Evolution.
- Continue project work: Incorporate insights from the resources into analysis and finalize main components.
- Group activity: Review the study guide with peer Q&A to solidify understanding of evidence and advanced concepts.
- Complete the assessment to demonstrate knowledge of natural selection and evolution.
- Present completed projects, discussing findings and their alignment with evolutionary principles.
- Class discussion: Reflect on the broader significance of evolution, including applications in medicine, conservation, and biodiversity.
Session: 1
Begin with an overview of natural selection and evolution, introducing foundational concepts and laying the groundwork for project work.
Session: 2
Develop understanding of evolutionary evidence and mechanisms, while advancing project work.
Session: 3
Investigate deeper evolutionary concepts, explore mutations, and complete project work.
Session: 4
Synthesize learning through assessments and project presentations.
This Learning Gig development generously funded by Outstanda.