Lesson 3: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
LP 2.3:
I can use various forms of data as evidence to support a claim that explains the cause and effect relationship between the variation of traits in a population and the survival of the fittest.
How does structure affect function?
Why do the musk deer have fangs?
What patterns can be seen in the giraffe population over time?
Why did the neck length of Giraffes evolve?
Can an individual species evolve? Or does a population evolve?
Why does a trait need to be heritable in order for natural selection to occur?
How does competition for limited resources drive natural selection?
How is “fitness” in biology different from “fitness” in PE?
HS-LS4-2
Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors:
Potential for species to increase in number
Heritable genetic variation (mutation/ sexual reproduction)
Competition for limited resources
Proliferation of those better suitable to survive and reproduce
HS-LS4-3
Apply concepts of statistics & probability to support explanations that organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait
HS-LS4-4
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
A connection to SAT skills can be made through the analysis of complex cause-and-effect relationships, a key component of the SAT Writing and Language section. Understanding how natural selection, genetic variation, and adaptation drive evolution involves evaluating interrelated concepts and drawing logical conclusions based on evidence. The SAT tests similar skills by requiring students to identify how different elements of a passage or argument are connected and to make inferences about cause and effect. Additionally, when examining the impact of human activity on biodiversity, students must synthesize information from different sources and understand how human actions influence the environment, which mirrors the skills needed for analyzing and interpreting data in the SAT's Science and Reading sections.
LS4.B: Natural Selection
Natural selection occurs only if there is both (1) variation in the genetic information between organisms in a population and (2) variation in the expression of that genetic information—that is, trait variation—that leads to differences in performance among individuals.
LS4.C: Adaptation
Evolution is a consequence of the interaction of four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for an environment’s limited supply of the resources that individuals need in order to survive and reproduce, and (4) the ensuing proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in that environment.
LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (HS-LS4-6) (Note: This Disciplinary Core Idea is also addressed by HS-LS2-7.)
SEE "Materials / Resources / Text / Speakers" FIELD
MOODLE LP #2.3 & 2.4 CHECKPOINT:
(This quiz covers 2 lesson objects see next lesson)