Evolution and Genetics

Genetics You’ve learned that organisms are living things. In ecosystems, you’ve also learned that there are different species. A species is a category of living thing. Did you know that every living thing is unique? Even within a species, every living organism is one of a kind. Every fish, every cat, every dog, every person is special because of this.

Genetics The things that make you an individual are called genes. In your cells you have genes that determine how those cells grow. This is like a program for your body that affects things like whether you are a boy or a girl, tall or short, have blue eyes or brown eyes.

DNA DNA is the “code” found in the nuclei in our cells that tell us who and what we are. This code is a pattern of molecules that program how our cells grow. deoxyribonucleic acid

DNA What does coding mean? Think about what a code is. A code is pattern that carries a message. Here’s a code. Can you copy, then decode it. Let’s try it out! Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block

DNA What does coding mean? Think about what a code is. A code is pattern that carries a message. Here’s a code. Can you copy, then decode it. Let’s try it out!

DNA BrainPOP DNA Did you know that your body has a blueprint? In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby introduce you to that popular word, DNA (a.k.a. deoxyribonucleic acid), and they’ll teach you about why it’s so important.

DNA Try out making a monster by decoding its DNA to find out if it has fluffy or spikey fur, long teeth or big ears. What kind of monster will you find! Make a Monster A monster story

Vocabulary Organism - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently Species - a group of living organisms with similar traits (cats, dogs, humans, etc) DNA - the genetic information of an organism Gene - A factor that controls a trait.

Heredity So how does our DNA, our genetic code get programmed? Every species has offspring, little versions of the original. Remember, plants, animals, all organisms can reproduce. In the case of animals, there is a mom and a dad who together produce babies, which are offspring.

Heredity When a mom and a dad have a child, half of the DNA comes from the mom and half of the DNA comes from the dad.

Heredity BrainPOP Heredity Ever hear the phrase ‘Like father like son?’ In this BrainPOP movie on heredity, Tim and Moby will teach you all about how you inherit your looks, height, size and chemical make-up from your parents! Study Jams

Heredtiy Breed a dog Use what you’ve learned about heredity to try to breed specific traits, like brown or black fur, short or long ears, in the offspring of dogs.

Heredity Pea Experiment In this experiment you will be looking at: pea colorY = yellowy = green pea shapeR = smoothr = wrinkled Use the Pea Experiment sheet in your journal to find out what happens when dominant or recessive traits are passed down

Heredity An inherited trait is a characteristic passed down from a parent to offspring. Examples of inherited traits are eye color, height, and freckles. What else can you think of?

Heredity An acquired trait is a characteristic that an organism develops AFTER it is born.

Behavior Instinct is a natural untaught behavior or reaction.

Behavior A learned behavior is a behavior that is developed by observing others or by being taught.

Behavior BrainPOP Behavior Pavlov’s Dog

Vocabulary Offspring - new organisms that come from parent organisms Heredity - the genetic transfer of characteristics from parent to offspring Inherited Trait - a characteristic passed down from a parent to offspring Acquired Trait - a characteristic that an organism develops AFTER it is born. Instinct - a natural untaught behavior or reaction. Learned Behavior - a behavior developed by observing others or by being taught.