Evolution Unit Learning Goals

Evolution Unit Learning Goals SB3. Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems. a. Examine the evolutionary basis of modern classification systems. SB5. Students will evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution. a. Trace the history of the theory. b. Explain the history of life in terms of biodiversity, ancestry, and the rates of evolution. c. Explain how fossil and biochemical evidence support the theory. d. Relate natural selection to changes in organisms. e. Recognize the role of evolution to biological resistance (pesticide and antibiotic resistance). SB4. Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems. b. Compare how structures and function vary between the six kingdoms (archaebacteria, eubacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals). c. Examine the evolutionary basis of modern classification systems. d. Compare and contrast viruses with living organisms.

Goal Organisms are classified based on a variety of characteristics. (Aristotle vs. Linnaeus) Organisms are classified into 6 kingdoms using the modern classification system. I can use a dichotomous key to correctly identify an organism. I understand the relationship between the different levels of classification (domain, kingdom, phylum etc.) Several scientists and discoveries led to the formation of the modern theory of evolution. Natural selection is the mechanism by which new species are formed. A species changes over time as characteristics/adaptations provide a survival advantage. Evolution is a process that takes place over many generations Evolution occurs due to descent with modifications instead of inheritance of acquired characteristics. The theory of evolution is supported by fossil evidence. The theory of evolution is supported by biochemical evidence.

The theory of evolution is supported by embryological evidence. Changes in the environment will cause a species to evolve or become extinct. Meiosis contributes to the diversity of individuals. The diversity of organisms contributes to the development of new characteristics in a species through natural selection. I can interpret a cladogram to determine the evolutionary relationship between species. I understand the development of complexity in organisms from prokaryotes to multicellular eukaryotes. (history of life) Evolution can take different paths. (gradualism vs. punctuated equilibrium) There are a variety of mechanisms that can lead to the formation of a new species. Natural selection can lead to new characteristics in a species such as biological resistance. I can identify which kingdom an organism belongs to when given its characteristics. I understand why viruses are considered to be non-living Compare and contrast viruses with living organisms. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viruses. Bacteria are prokaryotes with simple cell structure. Bacteria can fulfill a variety of roles in the ecosystem – both helpful and harmful. Kingdom Protista contains simple eukaryotes that have a variety of characteristics. Protists are classified by their method of obtaining energy. Protists are more complex than prokaryotes but are simpler than fungi, plants and animals. Fungi are multicellular eukaryotes. Fungi have a variety of roles in the ecosystem – both harmful and helpful. Plants function as producers in the ecosystem. Plants have a complex structure with specialized tissue.