1. Activating Strategy Watch the short video clip below [32 seconds] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z 9tcB-dyrF4 Does the video illustrate how evolution or changes in organisms occur?

2. Essential Question: How does natural selection affect the evolution of species on earth? Standards: S7L5a. Explain that physical characteristics of organisms have changed over successive generations (e.g. Darwin’s finches and peppered moths of Manchester). S7L5b. Describe ways in which species on earth have evolved due to natural selection.

3. Use the Natural Selection Notes sheet to record information

4. In the previous activities, you learned about evidence to support the theory of evolution. What is evolution? Evolution is the process through which species change over time. Turn to a partner and discuss some of the evidence that supports the theory of evolution.

5. The basis for the theory of evolution came from observations by Charles Darwin.

6. Darwin’s observations were made when he visited the Galapagos Islands, a chain of volcanic islands off the South American coast.

7. One of Darwin’s most famous observations involved Finches, a type of bird. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uZGSuOxFVM Watch the video clip below of finches on the Galapagos Islands. Write down observations you make about the finches such as size, type of beak, what they eat, where they live, etc. Share your observations with a partner and be prepared to share your observations with the class.

8. Darwin observed many similar- looking birds with very different beaks. But how since they are were on an island?

9. Darwin’s observations made him wonder if the finches had evolved from similar species.

10. After years of analyzing his observations, Darwin proposed that the birds were closely related finch species that were suited to different environments.

11. Darwin proposed that evolution could be explained through a process he called natural selection.

12. A process through which species that are best suited to their environment survive and reproduce at a higher rate than other members of the species. Natural Selection

15. Natural Selection Practice

16. One of the key ideas of natural selection is variation among species.

17. Within a species there are natural differences, or variations, in traits. Look at the images of the butterflies above. What causes these variations?

18. Many of the differences among individuals results from differences in the genetic material of organisms.

19. Which organisms can have a greater variation in genetic material? Why? Those who reproduce sexually have greater variation in genetic material because the organism receives genetic material from both parents.

20. Natural Selection and Genetic Variation Successive Generations

21. Sometimes the genetic material itself within organisms changes, causing a new variation (mutation).

23. What serious illness currently in the news has underwent a mutation? How has it affected us? The Flu. The Flu shot is not as effective this year because the flu virus mutated; therefore, the vaccine does not cover all strands of the virus.

24. Look at the example to the right of how the Avian Flu mutated a few years ago.

25. Sometimes the environment contributes to genetic variation such as the diagram to the right shows.

26. Genetic variations are passed on from generation to generation (successive generations). Pesticide Activity

27. With a partner, discuss what is meant by the image below and explain why it does not happen this way.

28. Activities for Natural Selection Modeling Natural Selection Natural Selection Activity Breeding Bunnies Which Beak is Best?

29. An adaptation is any inherited trait that gives an organism an advantage in its particular environment. Turn to an elbow partner and identify a few examples of an adaptation in organisms.

31. Candy Adaptation [see resources]

32. Camouflage is a type of adaptation in which organisms appear to “blend” into their environment. Camouflage

33. How does camouflage help an organism survive?

34. Where Am I?

37. Hidden Organism Activity

38. An adaptation where an animal or plant resembles another creature or inanimate object, either for defense or to gain other advantages. Mimicry This is really a caterpillar

39. The King Snake resembles the Coral Snake so that predators will think it is poisonous.

40. Which one is using Mimicry? How do you know?

41. Did the King Snake and the Viceroy Butterfly decide to mimic the more dangerous animals? Turn to a seat partner and discuss how the King Snake and Viceroy Butterfly came to mimic the more dangerous animals. NO

42. Organisms do not “decide” or make a decision to evolve. The process of natural selection allows for organisms with more desirable traits to survive, reproduce, and pass the desired traits to their offspring over successive generations.

43. Camouflage and Mimicry http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/08 /mimicry/ziegler-photography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJGtN- igCu8&list=PLMYb_qWwxCko5ABXT1cGi QOUzfe1XJyXv&index=4

44. Venom is another adaptation that has evolved over time.

45. Over time, venom in snakes has evolved through natural selection to be more effective.

46. Songs and Videos about Evolution and Natural Selection [select one or two]: Adaptation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N0wVq4nUBU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N0wVq4nUBU Charles Darwin and Natural Selection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40U9Uv9iNI4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40U9Uv9iNI4 Mr. Durand’s Natural Selection Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a16OVnQEU-0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a16OVnQEU-0 Mr. Parr’s Evolution Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Y_ILQB-Kg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Y_ILQB-Kg

47. Influence of Humans on Evolution: Complete one of the Peppered Moths of Manchester Activities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyRA807djLcc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9MCqIV1Olk

48. Natural Selection Summarizer