Download Ecology Unit Outline - nnhsbiology

Introduction to Evolution
“There are no shortcuts in evolution.”
― Louis D. Brandeis
Section I –Vocabulary
Below is a list of all of the biology vocabulary terms used in this Unit. By the end of the Unit, you will be
able to write a working definition of each term and correctly use each term.
artificial selection
evolution
oxygen atmosphere
Charles Darwin
extinction
photosynthesis
continental drift
fossil
prokaryotes
cyanobacteria
descent with
modification
geology
punctuated equilibrium
gradualism
species
eukaryotes
multicellular organisms
tectonic plates
Section 2 – Mastery Objectives / Critical Thinking Skills
1. Outline the key ideas in Darwin’s time that led to the Theory of Natural Selection
2. Give three examples of the evidence Darwin used to support his theory
Section 3A –Suggested Readings

Miller and Levine – pp 369-382
Section 3B –Relevant Websites
Refer to the class wiki (http://nnhsbiology.pbworks.com)
Section 4 –– Outside Class Assignments
Thoughtfully answer each of the following questions or comments. Include all your reasoning and show
all your work wherever it is appropriate.
Due dates for each assignment will be given in class and posted on the class wiki. (Please remember –
15% of the total possible points is deducted from homework that is passed in late.
1. Create a concept map for each of the following groups of terms. Include definitions for
all terms, linking phrases that connect the terms, and place the terms in a visual
hierarchy.
a. Extinction, fossil, geology, tectonic plates, continental drift
b. Cyanobacteria, photosynthesis, eukaryotes, prokaryotes, multicellular
organisms, species
c. Evolution, artificial selection, Charles Darwin, descent with modification,
gradualism, punctuated equilibrium
2. We often discuss “life” and assume that we collectively know what the term “life” means.
a. To a biologist such as yourself (yes you are) how do you determine that
something is alive?
b. How did “life” come into being on earth?
c. How did first life alter the planet’s landscape and atmosphere and is it still
having an effect?
3. Many people think that Charles Darwin sailed to the Galapagos Islands, saw some weird
stuff like finches with different shapes of beaks and huge tortoises with deformed shells,
and then went home and wrote his book, “The Origin of Species”.
a.
Using the attached map and excerpts from the diary Mr. Darwin kept during his
voyage, follow his course using the latitude and longitude coordinates provided.
Place a dot on the map at each location noted and the date he was there.
b.
How many years passed between his journey aboard the H.M.S. Beagle and the
appearance of “The Origin of Species”? What took him so long?
4. In the video on sickle cell disease, Sean Carroll, the narrator, states “evolution does not
necessarily result in the best solution imaginable but proceeds by whatever means are
available.” Rephrase this statement using the sickle cell disease as an example. (The
video can be accessed at http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/making-fittest-naturalselection-humans
5. Evolution has been labeled a dangerous idea by some, while other folks think it is the
biggest idea in all of science. Why might people find evolution to be a dangerous idea?
Why might scientists and knowledgeable amateur scientists find evolution to be the
most profound idea in science?
6. Darwin developed and refined his ideas by reflecting on the artificial selection methods
he saw farmers and livestock breeders use. Artificial selection has been pushed very far
in domesticated dogs. To get a sense of just how much dog breeds vary, go to
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/dogs/world.html and complete the “Dogs Around the
World” interactive program. As you match the dogs and their roles complete the
following task. Make a table three columns wide. In the first column, list 5 different
breeds of dogs. In the second column list their area of origin, In the third column,
describe what they were bred for.
7. ‘Review the Power point presentation.
a. Make a list of the five (5 “big themes” that appear in the history of life.
b. Select one of the five, explain it and give an example that shows this idea clearly.
Section 5 –– Bonus Opportunities
Thoughtfully answer each of the following questions or comments. Include all your reasoning and show
all your work wherever it is appropriate for bonus credit
1.
Horseshoe crabs are affectionately referred to as “living fossils”. Write a brief description of their
evolutionary history and explain why they are often referred to this way. (10 pts)
2.
Many people mistakenly claim that humans are descended from apes. (10 pts)
a. Why is this statement inaccurate?
b. What evidence is available to disprove this statement?
c. What is the more accurate description of the human-ape evolutionary history?
d. What is the evidence that supports your answer to c?