Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
In this unit students learn how natural selection has been a driver of evolution. We return to the Reebops and compare and contrast what happens when we farm for certain traits using artificial selection versus when we let the Reebops breed freely amongst their population. We also learn about the importance of artificial selection to human civilization and agriculture, as well as genetically modified organisms.
Standards
Standards
Power standard: Compare and contrast natural and artificial selection.
State standard 8.MS-LS4-4. Use a model to describe the process of natural selection, in which genetic variations of some traits in a population increase some individuals’ likelihood of surviving and reproducing in a changing environment. Provide evidence that natural selection occurs over many generations.
8.MS-LS4-5. Synthesize and communicate information about artificial selection, or the ways in which humans have changed the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
Key Questions
Key Questions
How have humans used artifical selection to shape their environment?
What are examples of natural selection?
How does natural selection lead to evolution in a species?
Key in-class activities
Key in-class activities
Sticky hand evolution game: lizards is isolated populations compete over food. Mutations and selection events cause the two islands to evolve different traits to match their environment.
Cosmos ep 2: The things molecules do
Reebops farm and wild
Important vocabulary
Important vocabulary
natural selection: means that traits that offer an advantage in the environment to the species will most likely be passed onto offspring
fitness: how well an organism’s adaptation match their environment
artificial selection: humans choose which traits survive to reproduce.
Video resources
Video resources
Reading resources
Reading resources
Natural and Artificial Selection Reading.pdfFrom Skiatook Schools middle school science text, based on CK-12
Essential skills check
Essential skills check
Sample MCAS question
Sample MCAS question
Millions of years ago, a small population of birds lived on the Hawaiian Islands. Over time, this population evolved into more than 54 separate species, each with different colors, beak shapes, and food sources.Which of the following best explains why the original population of birds evolved into so many different species?
A. Many of the birds were killed each time a volcano erupted on the Hawaiian Islands.B. The Hawaiian Islands had few predator species to decrease the lifespan of the birds.C. The bird population moved into and adapted to many different environments on the Hawaiian Islands.D. The climate of the Hawaiian Islands rarely changed, which helped the bird population to increase in size.
A. Many of the birds were killed each time a volcano erupted on the Hawaiian Islands.B. The Hawaiian Islands had few predator species to decrease the lifespan of the birds.C. The bird population moved into and adapted to many different environments on the Hawaiian Islands.D. The climate of the Hawaiian Islands rarely changed, which helped the bird population to increase in size.
This question has two parts.Many traits of horses, such as coat color, are artificially selected when horses are bred.
Part ADescribe one advantage of selecting traits artificially in horses.Part BDescribe one disadvantage of selecting traits artificially in horses.
Part ADescribe one advantage of selecting traits artificially in horses.Part BDescribe one disadvantage of selecting traits artificially in horses.
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