Lesson 1 - Evidence for Evolution

Lesson Objectives

Content Objective: To apply the different types of evidence (fossil, biochemical, geographical, etc) for evolution to a specific species.

Language Objective: To discuss how fossil, biochemical and geographical evidence helps support the theory of evolution in whales.

Syllabus Statements:

Evolution occurs when the heritable characteristics of a species change.
The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.

Book Reference: Pearson - 217 - 219

Homework: See Homework Page

Activites

Activity 1 - Whale Evolution Video

i. Introduction to Evolution Video

ii. As you watch this video please write down the different types of evidence for the evolution of whales using the following categories:

Fossil Evidence
Morphological Evidence
Vestigial evidence
Chronological evidence

Link to Video ( watch until 16:44)

Activity 2 - Whale Evolution

Instructions:

1. You will be divided into pairs and need to decide which person will complete the different parts of the reading. These are the sections:

Fossil (Paleontological) Evidence
Morphological Evidence
Molecular biology evidence
Vestigial evidence
Embryological evidence
Chronological evidence
Paleobiogeographic evidence
Paleoenvironmental evidence

2. Individually, research your area using the website below and be prepared to provide a set of key ideas, pictures, and diagrams about that type of evidence related to whales.

Website Link

Talk Origins Whales with teacher's notes - This might help with some of the vocab

Activity 3 - Final Evidence Package

Instructions:

3. Make a copy of this document.

Together compare your notes and choose 2 key ideas (4 for fossil/paleontological), explaining how they provide evidence for the evolution of whales and evolution in general. You may provide one picture/diagram as long as you write a caption. Paleobiogeographic evidence has been done as an example

4. Make a copy of the document for yourself for your notes

Home Learning

A. Strengthen Your Skills