EVOLUTION    

A Web Enhanced Lesson for Regents Living Environment

Deborah M. Katz
Communities in Schools Academy
Schenectady City School District
katzd@schenectady.k12.ny.us

Click on image to go to the bottom of the web page for worksheets.

Introduction:

Extensive evidence indicates that life on Earth began more than three billion years ago.  Fossils have given us evidence to the types of organisms which existed long ago.  Over time, more complex organisms developed.  The idea that explain how this change in species has occurred over time is known as evolution.  Evolution is known as the "Unifying Theory of Biology", yet it is probably the most controversial theory.  

The questions you will be investigating are written below.  Click on the moving Earth icon to get you to the website to help you answer the questions.  Click on the Darwin picture at the bottom of the page to get to the student worksheet.  Print the worksheet page and answer the all of the questions.

Questions:

1. Explain what  the Theory of Evolution states.  
(Once you've clicked on the moving Earth icon, keep reading down the web page!)

2. Summarize the four components of Natural Selection.  
( Once you've clicked on the moving Earth icon, Click on Video #4, QuickTime.  How does evolution really work?)

3.  Explain why the evolutionary process is described to be like the "growth of a bush".

4. Explain what happens when a species becomes extinct?

5. How do fossils give us a picture of change over time?
( Once you've clicked on the moving Earth icon, Click on Video #3, QuickTime.  How do we know evolution happens?)

6. What are mutations and genetic variations?  Describe how they both impact evolution.