Evolution

Biology Standards Addressed: LS4 – Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

B-LS4-1 - Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

B-LS4-2 - Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.

B-LS4-4 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

B-LS4-5 - Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Topics:

Natural Seletcion (LS4-4 & 4-5)

Evidence for the Theory of Evolution (LS4-1)

Causes of Evolution (LS4-2)

Phylogenetic Trees (LS4-1)