9th Grade Evolution Unit Overview

Study Notes

The unit is focused on the theme of evolution for 9th-grade students in the biology content area.
The unit covers four standards: 3.1.B.C1, 3.1.B.C2, 3.1.B.C3, and 3.1.B.C4.

Species are reproductively distinct groups of organisms.
Geographic isolation can play a role in speciation.
Evolution through natural selection can result in changes in biodiversity through genetic diversity within a population.

Life on Earth arose from a single, primitive prokaryote about 4 billion years ago.
Over the next 2 billion years, a huge diversity of single-celled organisms evolved.
Cells with nuclei developed, leading to increasingly complex, multicellular organisms.
Mutations in sex cells can be passed on to successive generations, affecting the offspring's success in their environment.

Mechanisms of evolution include mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection.
Genetic variation plays a role in evolution.
Examples of these mechanisms can be seen in real-life situations.

The major stages in human evolution include the development of bipedalism, brain size, and other key adaptations.
Fossil records and genetic data provide evidence for human evolution.
Human evolution can be seen through a timeline of human ancestors and modern humans.

Standard 3.1.B.C1: Species are reproductively distinct groups of organisms, and geographic isolation can play a role in speciation. Evolution through natural selection can lead to changes in biodiversity by increasing or decreasing genetic diversity within a population.
Standard 3.1.B.C2: Life on Earth arose from a single, primitive prokaryote about 4 billion years ago, and a huge diversity of single-celled organisms evolved over the next 2 billion years.
Standard 3.1.B.C3: Compare and contrast various theories of evolution, and interpret data from fossil records, anatomy, physiology, and DNA studies relevant to the theory of evolution.
Standard 3.1.B.C4: Discuss the implications of a universal genetic code for evolution.

Evolution is the concept of how species change over time through natural selection.
Key contributors to the theory of evolution include Charles Darwin.
Natural selection impacts species over time.

Mechanisms of evolution include mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection.
Genetic variation plays a role in evolution.
Examples of these mechanisms can be seen in real-life situations.

Human evolution involves major stages, including the development of bipedalism and brain size.
Evidence for human evolution includes fossil records and genetic data.
Human adaptations, such as bipedalism, have helped humans survive in different environments.