9th Grade Evolution Unit Overview

Evolution Unit Overview

• 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 and Speciation

• 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.

Evolution Theory

• 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.

Evolution Evidence

• Fossil records provide evidence of past life.
• DNA sequences can be used to infer the degree of kinship between species.
• Homologous and analogous structures provide evidence for evolution.

Mechanisms of Evolution

• 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.

Speciation and Adaptation

• Speciation is the process of new species formation.
• Allopatric and sympatric speciation are two types of speciation.
• Adaptive traits improve survival and reproduction.

Human Evolution

• 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.

Evolution Unit

• The theme of the unit is Evolution, targeting 9th-grade students in Biology.

Standards

• 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.

Lesson 1: Introduction to 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.

Lesson 2: Evidence of Evolution

• Fossils provide evidence of past life.
• Homologous and analogous structures are evidence of evolutionary relationships.
• Different types of evidence for evolution exist.

Lesson 3: Mechanisms of Evolution

• 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.

Lesson 4: Speciation and Adaptation

• Speciation is the process of forming new species.
• Allopatric and sympatric speciation are two types of speciation.
• Adaptive traits improve survival and reproduction.

Lesson 5: Human Evolution

• 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.