Life Science Unit 7: Theory of Evolution & Earth History
Distance Learning Grade Book:
During distance learning, a student's grade cannnot be penalized or cannot go down from what the grade/percent was before distance learning began. In the grade book, a blank is not counted against a student's grade. If a student earns a grade LOWER than their previous grade before distance learning started then the grade in the gradebook (for that test) will remain blank. If that lower score was to be entered then the student's grade/overall percent would go down, so only scores that benefit the student will be entered in the gradebook. The exception to that is if the student completed all work (tests) then those grades will all be entered so that at the end of the semester that student will earn bonus points if their average is 80% or higher on the distance learning material (remember extra credit can be turned in!).
During distance learning, a student's grade cannnot be penalized or cannot go down from what the grade/percent was before distance learning began. In the grade book, a blank is not counted against a student's grade. If a student earns a grade LOWER than their previous grade before distance learning started then the grade in the gradebook (for that test) will remain blank. If that lower score was to be entered then the student's grade/overall percent would go down, so only scores that benefit the student will be entered in the gradebook. The exception to that is if the student completed all work (tests) then those grades will all be entered so that at the end of the semester that student will earn bonus points if their average is 80% or higher on the distance learning material (remember extra credit can be turned in!).
Important Canvas Test Dates:
All tests are to be taken on CNUSD Canvas (login to myCNUSD). Go to the homepage for more info.
May 20th, Wed. 2-3pm (Test #5)
(this was last updated Tues. May 15 @ 5:51 pm):
This last test for the Theory of Evolution will be essay/short answer test for all students who have completed at least three of the four previous tests (remember extra credit can be completed in place of a test within two weeks but see deadline for extra credit!).
*ONLY USE THE INFO. PROVIDED BELOW ON THIS PAGE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS 1 & 2.
*EACH ANSWER MUST BE 3-6 SENTENCES.
*TEST TIP - create a word document before the due date of the Canvas test and simply copy/paste during the test date/time.
Question 1: When Charles Darwin wrote about evolution by natural selection the fossil record was not as extensive as it is today.
Use the whale evolution and the human evolution info. below to answer this question.
Discuss what has been found and how that strengthens or weakens the theory of evolution. Diagrams 8,9,10,14,15,19,20,21
Question 2: How do the current findings/discoveries about carbon dating affect the previous ideas evolutionary scientists had about the the age of ancient fossils. Diagrams 22-26
Question 3: Do you believe in the Theory of Evolution? Give three scientific reasons to support your answer.
Remember, majority of scientists believe in this theory but there are other scientists who don't.
(this was last updated Tues. May 15 @ 5:51 pm):
This last test for the Theory of Evolution will be essay/short answer test for all students who have completed at least three of the four previous tests (remember extra credit can be completed in place of a test within two weeks but see deadline for extra credit!).
*ONLY USE THE INFO. PROVIDED BELOW ON THIS PAGE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS 1 & 2.
*EACH ANSWER MUST BE 3-6 SENTENCES.
*TEST TIP - create a word document before the due date of the Canvas test and simply copy/paste during the test date/time.
Question 1: When Charles Darwin wrote about evolution by natural selection the fossil record was not as extensive as it is today.
Use the whale evolution and the human evolution info. below to answer this question.
Discuss what has been found and how that strengthens or weakens the theory of evolution. Diagrams 8,9,10,14,15,19,20,21
Question 2: How do the current findings/discoveries about carbon dating affect the previous ideas evolutionary scientists had about the the age of ancient fossils. Diagrams 22-26
Question 3: Do you believe in the Theory of Evolution? Give three scientific reasons to support your answer.
Remember, majority of scientists believe in this theory but there are other scientists who don't.
May 13th, Wed. 2-3pm (Test #4)
Video 20 & 21 compared to Video 23 & 24 - Look for big concepts to compare. Test will be 5 questions.
Video 20 & 21 compared to Video 23 & 24 - Look for big concepts to compare. Test will be 5 questions.
May 6th, Wed. 2-3pm (Test #3)
(this was last updated Tues. May 5 @ 6:13 pm):
Video 9 -
Know the two most publicized examples of natural selection and details (hint: Galapagos Islands and London in the 1800's)
Know the four principles that drive natural selection by one or more examples
How did Charles Darwin's family provide an interesting study of inheritance etc.?
Video 17 - Know how radiocarbon dating works, what it's for, and four limitations of radiocarbon dating by one or more examples
(this was last updated Sat. May 2 @ 6:59pm):
Test will be on videos 9 & 17 ONLY! The other videos (9-17) are good to watch, but the questions on the test will come from only two of the videos.
(this was last updated Thurs. April 30 @ 1:24pm):
Test will be on videos 9-19. Watch all the videos & take notes. In the first two tests, most of the videos had at least one question from each video's content. For this test, two videos will be selected. At the end of this unit, there will be an easy extra credit assignment for all students who have attempted all of the distance learning Unit 7 tests/made all of them up! See extra credit page after taking the final Unit 7 test.
(this was last updated Tues. May 5 @ 6:13 pm):
Video 9 -
Know the two most publicized examples of natural selection and details (hint: Galapagos Islands and London in the 1800's)
Know the four principles that drive natural selection by one or more examples
How did Charles Darwin's family provide an interesting study of inheritance etc.?
Video 17 - Know how radiocarbon dating works, what it's for, and four limitations of radiocarbon dating by one or more examples
(this was last updated Sat. May 2 @ 6:59pm):
Test will be on videos 9 & 17 ONLY! The other videos (9-17) are good to watch, but the questions on the test will come from only two of the videos.
(this was last updated Thurs. April 30 @ 1:24pm):
Test will be on videos 9-19. Watch all the videos & take notes. In the first two tests, most of the videos had at least one question from each video's content. For this test, two videos will be selected. At the end of this unit, there will be an easy extra credit assignment for all students who have attempted all of the distance learning Unit 7 tests/made all of them up! See extra credit page after taking the final Unit 7 test.
April 29, Wed. 2-3pm (Test #2)
(this date was last updated Thurs. April 29 @ 4:51am):
Video 5 - 3 questions, no questions from Video 6, & one question from Video 7 & 8. Five total questions for this test.
(this date was last updated Thurs. April 23 @ 11:48pm) :
Test will be on videos 5-8.
Watch & take notes on videos 5-8. Make sure to check this website once a day for updates!
(this date was last updated Thurs. April 29 @ 4:51am):
Video 5 - 3 questions, no questions from Video 6, & one question from Video 7 & 8. Five total questions for this test.
(this date was last updated Thurs. April 23 @ 11:48pm) :
Test will be on videos 5-8.
Watch & take notes on videos 5-8. Make sure to check this website once a day for updates!
April 22, Wed. 2-3pm (Test #1)
(this date was updated Sun. April 19 @ 4:26pm) : Watch & take notes on videos 1-4. There will be five questions. Questions 1-3 will be on videos 1-3 and the last two questions will be on video 4. Study notes taken from videos and take the test on myCNUSD Canvas (students must login to their myCNUSD). More details on the home page.
Test Details:
Select the answer that is the most complete/most accurate.
There will be 5 multiple choice questions & only 5 minutes.
One question can be seen at a time & no going back to previous questions.
One retake is allowed BUT out of the two tests, the last test will be counted.
Answers will be provided after the due date from 3pm-3:05pm
(this date was updated Sun. April 19 @ 4:26pm) : Watch & take notes on videos 1-4. There will be five questions. Questions 1-3 will be on videos 1-3 and the last two questions will be on video 4. Study notes taken from videos and take the test on myCNUSD Canvas (students must login to their myCNUSD). More details on the home page.
Test Details:
Select the answer that is the most complete/most accurate.
There will be 5 multiple choice questions & only 5 minutes.
One question can be seen at a time & no going back to previous questions.
One retake is allowed BUT out of the two tests, the last test will be counted.
Answers will be provided after the due date from 3pm-3:05pm
April 22, Wed. 1-2pm
Retake/Take the first fun quiz that was originally offered on April 15
Retake/Take the first fun quiz that was originally offered on April 15
April 15, Wed. 4pm-5pm
(this date was updated on Wed. April 15 @ 2:53pm) : Take the easiest test of your life! The purpose of this Canvas test is to give the student a chance to experience the typical Canvas test format and procedures. All questions are based on the science class this year and studying is not required like a regular science test.
(this date was updated on Wed. April 15 @ 2:53pm) : Take the easiest test of your life! The purpose of this Canvas test is to give the student a chance to experience the typical Canvas test format and procedures. All questions are based on the science class this year and studying is not required like a regular science test.
Human Evolutionary Tree According to Macroevolution Theory:
single cell invertebrate
multicelled invertebrate
vertebrate (with a spine) - fish
amphibian (frog)
reptile (lizard)
bird
mammals
human
multicelled invertebrate
vertebrate (with a spine) - fish
amphibian (frog)
reptile (lizard)
bird
mammals
human
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
Diagram 4
Diagram 5
Diagram 6
Whale Evolution Investigation:
Diagram 7
Most scientists currently reject the mesonychids as ancestors for whales, which is why it's not pictured above. Instead, important new fossils discovered in Pakistan are interpreted as filling that role. DNA sequences have also been compared between whales and living animals that have features similar to those of the new fossils. Most scientists now believe they have a firm understanding that whales evolved from an animal more related to giraffes and camels. However, substantial discrepancies remain between interpretations of fossil data and results from DNA studies, according to Johns Hopkins University professor Kenneth Rose. Rose and others explain that similarities between whales and mesonychids happened independently in both groups due to convergent evolution. Convergence is not an observation flowing from objectively discernable causes. It is actually a declaration based on mental pictures (imagination/conjecture) of diverse organisms evolving similar traits as they are shaped over time by similar environmental pressures.
There are still substantial discrepancies between DNA and fossil evidence for whale evolution. Most scientists remain convinced “the transition from a primitively quadrupedal terrestrial ancestor to a convergently ‘fish-like’ modern mammal species” actually happened in a process that “involved changes in numerous character systems.” Definitely not understating the point, they add that “almost all anatomical systems of living cetaceans are highly modified for an aquatic lifestyle, with dramatic changes seen in…limbs.”
There are still substantial discrepancies between DNA and fossil evidence for whale evolution. Most scientists remain convinced “the transition from a primitively quadrupedal terrestrial ancestor to a convergently ‘fish-like’ modern mammal species” actually happened in a process that “involved changes in numerous character systems.” Definitely not understating the point, they add that “almost all anatomical systems of living cetaceans are highly modified for an aquatic lifestyle, with dramatic changes seen in…limbs.”
Vestigial Bones Prove Whales Evolved from Four Legged Mammals?
Speaking of limbs, most scientists believe they see greatly reduced pelvis or hip bones in some whales. They teach this observation as evidence for whale evolution. Just like the human appendix, these “hip” bones are interpreted as a vestigial structure (a structure that has no perceived function but had a function in it's ancestor). Jerry Coyne from the University of Chicago sums up the evolutionary position nicely:Whales are treasure troves of vestigial organs. Many living species have a vestigial pelvis and leg bones, testifying…to their descent from four-legged ancestors. If you look at a complete whale skeleton in a museum, you’ll often see the tiny hindlimb and pelvic bones hanging from the rest of the skeleton, suspended by wires. That’s because in living whales they’re not connected to the rest of the bones, but are simply imbedded in tissue. Most scientists believe they were once part of the skeleton, but became disconnected and tiny when they were no longer needed.
Matthew Dean of the University of Southern California and Jim Dines of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County examined “hip” bones in whale and dolphin skeletons. Their painstaking research of more than 10,000 unsorted bones turned “a long-accepted evolutionary assumption on its head.” According to the report, “common wisdom has long held that those bones are simply vestigial, slowly withering away like tailbones on humans.” But their results “fly directly in the face of that assumption, finding that not only do those pelvic bones serve a purpose—but their size and possibly shape are influenced by the forces of sexual selection.” This new analysis of whale hips was published in the scientific journal Evolution.“‘Everyone’s always assumed that if you gave whales and dolphins a few more million years of evolution, the pelvic bones would disappear. But it appears that’s not the case,’ said Matthew Dean.”
These bones serve an important purpose. In fact, “the muscles that control a cetacean’s penis—which has a high degree of mobility—attach directly to its pelvic bones. As such, it made sense to Dean and Dines that the pelvic bones could affect the level of control over the penis that an individual cetacean has, perhaps offering an evolutionary advantage.”
Dean later said, “our research really changes the way we think about the evolution of whale pelvic bones in particular, but more generally about structures we call ‘vestigial.’ As a parallel, we are now learning that our appendix is actually quite important in several immune processes, not a functionally useless structure.”
Diagram 8
Human Evolution Investigation:
Diagram 9
Diagram 10 (see diagrams 14 & 15 to view the most complete skeleton found of Australopithecus)
Diagram 11
Diagram 12
Diagram 13
Diagram 14 ("Lucy" - Australopithecus fossil on left and museum figure of "Lucy" on the right.)
Diagram 15 ("Lucy" - Most complete Australopithecus skeleton found)
Diagram 16
Diagram 17
Diagram 18 ("Lucy" - Australopithecus )
Neanderthal Remains:
Diagram 19 (Most complete Neaderthal fossil)
Diagram 20
Diagram 21
Carbon Dating Update:
Diagram 22
Diagram 23
Diagram 24
Diagram 25
Diagram 26
Sedimentary Rocks:
(VIDEO 1)
(VIDEO 2)
(VIDEO 3)
Fossils:
(VIDEO 4)
Theory of Evolution & Charles Darwin:
(VIDEO 5)
(VIDEO 6)
(VIDEO 7)
(VIDEO 8)
Natural Selection:
(VIDEO 9)
(VIDEO 10)
(VIDEO 11)
Radiometric Dating:
(VIDEO 12)
(VIDEO 13)
(VIDEO 14)
(VIDEO 15)
(VIDEO 16)
(VIDEO 17)
(VIDEO 18)
(VIDEO 19)
Whale Evolution:
(VIDEO 20)
(VIDEO 21)
(VIDEO 22)
(VIDEO 23)
(VIDEO 24)
Extra Theory of Evolution Terms:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/glossary/index.html#recapitulation
www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/glossary/index.html#recapitulation