Content Objective: To apply the different types of evidence (fossil, biochemical, geographical, etc) for evolution to a specific species.
Language Objective: To discuss how fossil, biochemical and geographical evidence helps support the theory of evolution in whales.
Syllabus Statements:
Evolution occurs when the heritable characteristics of a species change.
The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
Book Reference: Pearson - 217 - 219
Homework: See Homework Page
Activity 1 - Whale Evolution Video
i. Introduction to Evolution Video
ii. As you watch this video please write down the different types of evidence for the evolution of whales using the following categories:
Fossil Evidence
Morphological Evidence
Vestigial evidence
Chronological evidence
Link to Video ( watch until 16:44)
Activity 2 - Whale Evolution
Instructions:
1. You will be divided into pairs and need to decide which person will complete the different parts of the reading. These are the sections:
Fossil (Paleontological) Evidence
Morphological Evidence
Molecular biology evidence
Vestigial evidence
Embryological evidence
Chronological evidence
Paleobiogeographic evidence
Paleoenvironmental evidence
2. Individually, research your area using the website below and provide a set of key ideas, pictures, and diagrams about that type of evidence related to whales.
Talk Origins Whales with teachers notes - This might help with some of the vocab
Activity 3 - Final Evidence Package
Instructions:
3. Make a copy of this document.
Together compare your notes and choose 2 key ideas (4 for fossil/paleontological), explaining how they provide evidence for the evolution of whales and for evolution in general. You may provide one picture/diagram as long as you write a caption for it also. Paleobiogeographic evidence has been done as an example
4. You will then place that information on Google Classroom under activity 3. Only one per group please.
5. Make a copy of the document for yourself for your notes
Activity 3 - Only one per group
A. Strengthen Your Skills
More links about whales:
B. Expand Your Knowledge
Missing links in whale evolution
Science and music - using musicians to decode whale songs
For New Discoveries: Article - Missing Link or Wonkie Whale Skulls