PBS Evolution Series 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea' Video Worksheet
This is the longest of the PBS Evolution segments, clocking in at 2 hours. Key moments of Charles Darwin's life and research are re-enacted, to give students insight into how his theories emerged. Mixed in with these segments are modern case studies of natural selection, such as the evolution of the eye and the fight against the ever-changing AIDS virus.
This worksheet set includes a guide to each of the main characters in the story, including Charles Darwin, his brother Erasamus, Admiral Fitzroy, and others. This will provide some of the historical context and will add meaning as the students watch through these segments
One of the most difficult concepts to grasp in learning about evolution is the notion of speciation -- the emergence of new species from an ancestor. This episode gives some compelling examples and evidence of speciation, particularly revolving around how animals first emerged onto land, and in the case of whales, returned back to the sea.
Extinctions are a normal aspect of evolution. It is estimated that 9 in 10 species that have ever existed have gone extinct. There have been several huge extinction events in the Earth's history, sparked by cataclysmic events such as meteor strikes. However, there is a growing concern that we are in the midst of the next great extinction event -- caused by human activity. The exact causes vary, from hunting to the introduction of invasive species, but the result is a decrease in the biodiversity within the remaining ecosystems.
PBS Evolution, Episode 4 The Evolutionary Arms Race
Evolution is often described as a race between predators and prey, parasites and hosts. As one species evolves new adaptations to protect themselves and avoid predation, another species evolves to become more effective hunters. This also applies to microorganisms that cause disease. In fact, bacteria can evolve much faster than larger species can, leading to the rapid emergence of drug resistance. This episode uses the study of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis to see this arms race in action.
PBS Evolution, Episode 5 Why Sex?
One of the most important engines of evolutionary change is sexual reproduction. Most organisms on Earth reproduce sexually, in spite of the time and effort involved in finding a suitable mate. Sexual selection is the root cause behind much of the extravagance seen in nature, particularly with birds, and may even have played a role in the development of certain aspects of human behavior.
One of the most important engines of evolutionary change is sexual reproduction. Most organisms on Earth reproduce sexually, in spite of the time and effort involved in finding a suitable mate. Sexual selection is the root cause behind much of the extravagence seen in nature, particularly with birds, and may even have played a role in the development of certain aspects of human behavior
Species, Populations, and Communities Lecture Powerpoint
Purpose: This lecture introduces students to the first three levels of ecological organization: species, populations, and communities. After a brief overview of evolution and natural selection, students will be shown each of the different types of symbiotic, competition, and predator-prey relationships. Different types of niches will also be explored as students learn the role of individual species within a community
Species, Populations, and Communities Lecture Notes Outline
Many students have difficulty writing good notes. Some try to write every word down, missing important verbal information or discussions. Others choose to write nothing down, leaving nothing for them to study or refer to later. This offers a way for students to take notes in a structured manner -- by answering questions, filling in the blanks, or labeling diagrams
Journal Writing Assignment Evolution and Human Behavior
This writing prompt is intended as a follow-up assignment to a viewing of the PBS Evolution episode entitled "Why Sex?". The documentary proposes several intriguing hypotheses relating human behavior to natural selection. Students will examine some basic human behaviors and discuss whether they are rooted in evolution or in our environment and upbringing.
Journal Writing Assignment Adaptations
Students with a firm grasp of the theory of natural selection should begin to observe it in the world around them. The biological design of every organism has a purpose. One of the best places to start is with the extraordinary diversity of multicellular life found all over the Earth. This assignment requires students to choose a multicellular organism, identify each of its adaptations, and relate these adaptations to the organism's habitat and niche.
Range of Tolerance Graphing Worksheet
The range that a certain organism will inhabit depends largely on a few critical factors. In this activity, students will graph the influence that factors such as oxygen level and temperature have on the population size of a species of fish. They will then label the optimal range, zone of stress, and zone of intolerance for this species.
Reindeer of St. Matthew Island Carrying Capacity Activity
St. Matthew Island, located near Alaska, had a population of reindeer introduced in 1944. The population exploded, as the island had no predators or other factors to slow their growth rate. Over time, the deer used up the resources of the island, eventually experiencing a severe dieback due to the lack of food. In this activity, students will graph the population change of the deer, then identify and discuss the dieback
Deer Dilemma Class Debate
Deer Dilemma is a modified activity from the Project Wild! curriculum. Students will take on the roles of different community members attending a meeting to deal with a deer overpopulation problem afflicting a large forest preserve. Points of view at the meeting include a hunter, animal rights activist, college instructor, and farmer.
BBC Life In the Undergrowth Intimate Relations Worksheet
The BBC Life in the Undergrowth series focuses on the ecology of insects and small arthropods. This particular episode describes a series of symbiotic relationships that insects have with plants.
Species, Populations, and Communities Study Guide
Once the instruction for the unit is completed, students can complete this study guide to aid in their preparation for a written test. The study guide is divided into two sections: vocabulary and short answer questions. The vocabulary is taken directly form the lecture, sequentially. The short answer questions are meant to model the type they may see on the exam.