1. Theory of evolution SC. 912. L. 15
Theory of evolution SC.912.L Explain how the scientific theory of evolution is supported by the fossil record, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, biogeography, molecular biology, and observed evolutionary change.
Have students copy the benchmark numbers and the title: theory of evolution on the left side of their journals along with the essential question.
Also pass out pre-printed bellringer at this time
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How does the evidence used to support evolution help us connect past life forms to those living today?

2. Bell Ringer
The diagram illustrates an embryonic stage of two organisms. Which of the following can be determined by observing the embryos shown in the diagram? A. The organisms share a common ancestry. B. The organisms belong to the same genus. C. The organisms are native to the same geographic areas. D. The organisms will grow into anatomically similar adults.
Follow your classroom rituals and routines for bell ringers: 3 minutes
Have students put these in their notebooks on the left side
Pass out guided notes while students are completing this question.

3. Interactive Journal Left side Right side Benchmark:
Essential question:

4. Principles of Natural Selection
Natural Selection: Natural selection is a process through which a population can evolve for a specific environment. This tutorial will help the learner to understand how variation, heritability, adaptation, and selective pressure work together for natural selection to occur within a population.
Speciation in Alligators: This tutorial will help the learner understand the process of the formation of a new species, which might occur due to interruption of gene flow between two populations or differentiation of the populations because different gene pools are under different selective pressures.
What Causes Antibiotic Resistance?: This short video describes the process of antibiotic resistance. Right now, you are inhabited by trillions of micro organisms. Many of these bacteria are harmless (or even helpful!), but there are a few strains of ‘super bacteria’ that are pretty nasty -- and they’re growing resistant to our antibiotics. Why is this happening? Kevin Wu details the evolution of this problem that presents a big challenge for the future of medicine.
Pocket Mouse Evolution: This simulation shows the spread of a favorable mutation through a population of pocket mice. Even a small selective advantage can lead to a rapid evolution of the population.
Variation in a Species: The video describes how variation can be introduced into a species

5. What is Evolution?
The change in a population’s genetic makeup over time.
Those with selective advantages (i.e., adaptations), survive and reproduce
All species descended from earlier ancestor species

6. Supporting Evidence: 1. Fossil Records
Layers of rock contain fossils
new layers cover older ones
creates a record over time
fossils show a series of organisms that have lived on Earth

7. Supporting Evidence: 2. Comparative Anatomy

8. Supporting Evidence: 3. Embryology
Development of embryo tells an evolutionary story
Similar structures during development
all vertebrate embryos have a “gill pouch” at one stage of development
Developmental similarities reflect descent from a common ancestor

9. Supporting Evidence: 4. Biogeography
Pangaea: Supercontinent that existed 300 million years ago. The distribution of fossils across the continents is one line of evidence pointing to the existence of Pangaea

10. Supporting Evidence: 5. Molecular Biology
Comparing DNA and protein structure
Everyone uses the same genetic code 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
100
110
120
Lamprey
Frog
Bird
Dog
Macaque
Human 32 8 45 67
125
compare common genes
compare common proteins

11. Why is Evolution just a Theory?
A scientific theory is inference based on careful examination of facts.
A theory is not observable.
We can not observe evolution in our lifetime, but we can look at pieces of the puzzle and infer what we assume is happening.

12. Comparing Hominids
Over time, the jaws of hominid species evolved to be smaller, lighter and less protruding. Scientist are now collecting evidence to support the theory that this change in jaw size allowed for larger brains to develop in hominids.

13. Comparing Hominids
Bipedalism, the ability to walk upright on two legs, evolved over four million years ago.
Other important human characteristics, such as; a large and complex brain, the ability to make and use tools, and the capacity for language and culture, developed more recently.

14. We do: Matching activity
Match the Picture of the evidence with its correct description
Complete this activity on the left side of you journal.

15. Bell Ringer
The diagram illustrates an embryonic stage of two organisms. Which of the following can be determined by observing the embryos shown in the diagram? A. The organisms share a common ancestry. B. The organisms belong to the same genus. C. The organisms are native to the same geographic areas. D. The organisms will grow into anatomically similar adults.
3 minutes

16. You DO
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How is the scientific theory of evolution supported by different disciplines?
Answer this question on the left side of your journal.

17. Fossils of the Durodon, an aquatic mammal that lived over 40 million years ago, provide scientists with evidence for the ancestry of the modern whale. These fossils contained vestigial, or small, underdeveloped hind limbs. What can this feature help scientists conclude about the Durodon?
The Durodon was probably a mix of many different types of animals.
The Durodon probably descended from animals that could walk on land.
The Durodon was probably the apex predator of the ancient aquatic food chain.
The durodon probably needed strong back limbs to propel them through the water.
Correct answer B

18. The images below each represent a limb from four different organisms.
How could scientists use images like these to support the scientific theory of evolution?
The limbs have similar structures, so the organisms may have a common ancestor.
Because the limbs look alike, all limbs with similar structures serve the same function.
Because the limbs look alike, all animals with limbs must have a humerus, radius, and ulna.
The limbs look alike, so they are likely from the same genus but represent different species of animals .
Correct answer A

19. Over the last century, many spectacular discoveries have shed light on the history of the human family. Somewhere between 12 and 19 different species of early humans are recognized. One of the pieces of evidence for this evolution of the human skull. Which of the following correctly describes the general trend in hominid evolution?
larger body size, broad forehead, smaller brains
increase in brain capacity, bipedalism, use of tools
thickening of the skull, protruding teeth, organized hunting
large canine teeth, small skulls, diet of coarse plant material
Correct answer B