Biology 24

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Theory of Evolution (Speciation)

Topic (24) Defend a claim about genetic variation due to three selected factors. (HS-LS3-2)

The theory of evolution by natural selection, first formulated in Darwin’s book “On the Origin of Species” in 1859, is the process by which organisms change over time as a result of changes in heritable physical or behavioral traits.

Current thinking includes the following three factors (or, ways) genetic variation might take place.

  1. New genetic combinations through meiosis
  2. Errors occurring during replication
  3. Mutations caused by environmental factors

Material

Day 1 – Introduction
Day 2 – Virtual Textbook
Enrichment
Lesson 1 (or “Day 1”) Material

12:51 Ten Unusual Genetic Mutations Of The Human Body

4:22 Myths and misconceptions about evolution – Alex Gendler

2:58 What is the Theory of Evolution?

 


Compare Contrast and Debate

Kickoff Debate Background:

Current thinking includes the following three factors (or, ways) genetic variation might take place.

  1. New genetic combinations through meiosis
  2. Errors occurring during replication
  3. Mutations caused by environmental factors

Select one of these three factors you think would be the most directly observable and defend your position.


Instructor Resources

Standard Daily Material
  • Day 1 – Standard material – introduction day
  • Day 2 – Standard material – reading day
  • Day 3 – Standard material – make a presentation
  • Day 4 – Standard material – give a presentation
  • Extra! – Enrichment and remediation options
Other Topic Specific Resources

Special Notes and Notices

Instructor Emphasis:

  • Science & Engineering Practice: Engage in scientific argument from evidence.
  • Cross-Cutting Concept: Stability and Change.

Emphasize HS-LS3-2  Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

About Human Evolution (Often an interest of students)

Dictionary with human evolution descriptions.

Our species of humans.  Homo sapiens evolved from Homo erectus over several hundred thousand years beginning by at least 400,000 years ago.  The first modern Homo sapiens most likely evolved from archaic Homo sapiens by about 200,000-100,000 years ago in Africa and/or Southwest Asia.

Homo erectus – the species of humans that followed Homo habilis and preceded Homo sapiens in our line of evolution. Homo erectus evolved in East Africa nearly 2 million years ago. They were the first humans to expand their range into Asia and Europe. By at least 400,000 years ago, they were beginning a transitional evolutionary phase that would eventually lead to archaic Homo sapiens. See Homo ergaster and Homo heidelbergensis.

Homo hablisis – a transitional species between the australopithecines and Homo erectus. Homo habilis may have first appeared by 2.4 million years ago and continued until about 1.6 million years ago. They lived in East and possibly South Africa.

australopithecines – members of any species of the genus Australopithecus. They lived during the Pliocene and early Pleistocene geological Epochs in Africa (i.e., ca. 4.2-1.4 million years ago). Australopithecines and humans are hominins. One or more species of australopithecines probably were our ancestors.


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