Curated OER
Molecular Approaches to Evolution
Students examine the molecular studies of organisms that have led to a new era in their understanding of speciation and evolutionary relationships. Students study the allelic frequency of genes controlling specific molecules and assess...
Curated OER
Classification, Keys, and Phylogenetci Trees
Students analyze relationships about animals and create a model of classifications based on both the similarities and the differences. They also discuss a dichotomous key before they create a cladograph using different types of candy.
Curated OER
Dichotomous Key
In this species worksheet, learners use a dichotomous key to identify the 8 different species of "Norns," a fictitious animal group.
Curated OER
Adaptations of Fishes for Survival in Polar Environments
Students compare the anatomy of temperature and polar fishes. They explore the adverse effects of cold on metabolism and physiology and discuss how polar fishes adapt to their environments. Comparisons are also made to the DNA sequences...
Curated OER
Examining the Fossil Record
Students create an evolutionary tree based on fossil morphology and their ages. In this fossil record lesson plan, students are given 23 pictures of fossil. They study their morphology and arrange the fossils by age and structures on a...
Curated OER
Studying Species by Examining the Evolution of the Canidae Family
Students examine the definition of species. Students complete a phylogentic tree of the Canidae family. They write an essay justifying why or why not wolves and dogs should be classified as different species.
Curated OER
Island Biogeography and Evolution
Students develop likely phylogenies for seven related populations of lizards living on the Canary Islands using real data. They organize charts, and record the data for geography, geology, morphology, and molecular genetics.
Curated OER
Classification
In this classification worksheet, students observe the fingerprints provided. Students decide upon a classification system to use to categorize the given fingerprints.
Curated OER
Pond Life Identification Kit
Students explore ecology and biodiversty. They use the wet-mount procedure to make several slides to view using the microscope and draw what they see.
Curated OER
Mold
Students explore mold, the different types and the health risks that they pose. In this mycelium lesson students grow different molds and see which type of foods mold the fastest.
Curated OER
Sequence Alignment
Students explore the uses of sequence alignment. In this DNA activity students complete several experiments on sequencing and algorithms.
Curated OER
Anolis Lizards of the Greater Antilles
Students "take a trip" to the Greater Antilles to observethe Anolis lizards. They study the body structures and habitat of different species, then plot this data on a map to look for patterns in their distribution. From the patterns they...
Curated OER
Nuts & Bolts: is Classification, Arbitrary, Or Not?
Students, in groups, classify furniture, share their categories and rationales, then note how their different schemes vary, perfectly logical and useful, but completely arbitrary.
Curated OER
Fossils-Where Should We Place Archaeopteryx?
Students explore an interactive computer activity that provides the opportunity to look at features of various groups of animals and determine where an extinct organism might be classified.
Curated OER
The "Nuts and Bolts" of Taxonomy and Classification
Students develop classification scheme that meets the established rules of the Linnaean system. They write one page essay on classification choices.
Curated OER
Change by Chance?
Sixth graders are able to see the role of chance in evolution. The activity is similar to the party game "gossip" or "telephone." Students start off with a drawing of an animal which changes as they pass their copies of the animal to...
Curated OER
Comparative Embryological Study of
Students complete two labs. They observe the fertilization and development of sea urchin and zebrafish embryos. They examine the similarities and differences in the development of an invertebrate vs. a vertebrate animal.
Curated OER
History Theory of Evolution
Young scholars identify fossils. They identify evidence of change over time when given pictures of fossils to determine the proper sequencing. In addition, they determine evolutionary relationships by comparing embryonic structures.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Episd: Phylogenetic Classification
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Identify the differences between Phylogenetic Classification and the Linnaean Classification systems. Recognize and know how to interpret a phylogenetic tree and a...
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Biotechnology Information: Phylogenetics Factsheet
A detailed website that explains the history and process of classifying animals using evolutionary, molecular, and physical characteristics relationships. Website also contains information on evolution and evolutionary processes....
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Phylogenetic Trees
Learn what a phylogenetic tree is, Learn how to read phylogenetic trees and determine which species are most related.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Phylogenetic Classification
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Introduces phylogenetic classification and compares it with the Linnaean classification.
Open Curriculum
Open Curriculum: Phylogenetic Classification
An illustrated article helps students understand the concept of phylogenetic classification.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Phylogenetic Classification
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Introduces phylogenetic classification and compares it with the Linnaean classification.