Introduction
Evolution is one of the unifying principles of biology. It explains the enormous diversity of life on Earth.
Task
Welcome aboard, matey! Ships ahoy! Today you will board the H.M.S Chiotti and embark on the incredible journey that is evolution. On your journey, you will first learn about the historical context surrounding evolution and some of the scientists that contributed to this fascinating principle. Next you will discover the endless wonder of the Galapagos islands and experience natural selection in action. Your last stop will take you...
Process
Part I - History
Before you can begin to understand evolution, you must get a sense of what was happening historically when this scientific theory was formulated. You see evolution was not an easily accepted theory, and it is still challenged today. Take a look at the list of topics and scientists below to learn about their contributions and discoveries. After your research, you must create a timeline including each scientists's major contribution. You must also write down how the research/discovery contributed to Darwin's theory of evolution (Geology/Biology/Extinction, etc). When you are done, come up and get a worksheet for the next part.
Charles Darwin
Alfred Russell Wallace
Jean Baptiste Lamarck
Charles Lyell
Carrolus Linnaeus
Georges Cuvier
Resources:
Darwin's Diary: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/darwin/diary/index.html
Darwin Timeline: https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/learning-resources/timeline#/
Alfred Russel Wallace http://wallacefund.info
https://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/WestTech/darwin.htm
https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.evo.rev/evolution-revolution/#.WN2bZnfMxsM
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/artio/irishelk.html
Part II
Now that you know the history behind evolution, its time to dig a bit deeper. As you sail through the blue sea, you might be wondering what evolution is all about! Well you are going to find out in this section. You will discover all about natural selection and adaptation, and the many processes of evolution.
Resources:
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_02
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_14
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_25
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/evo_31
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/selection-tuskless-elephants
Part III
Now that you know about the process of evolution, let's take a look at evolution in action! While evolution is a process that occurs over many millions of years, it is an ongoing process. In this activity, you will collect actual data on anole lizards. When you open the link, click on "Enter Virtual Lab" to begin. Answer the questions on the worksheet as you complete the modules. You can log in to save your work.
Virtual Lab: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/lizard-evolution-virtual-lab