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Science Evolution and genetics

Evolution in a day

Galapagos giant tortoise amongst vegetation
Galapagos giant tortoise eating fruit
© Johan Van Wyk

Introduction

Learning objectives

  • Understand the term Natural Selection. Explore how animals and plants are suited to their environment.
  • Understand how Darwin developed his theory of Evolution through Natural Selection
  • Identify how animals are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
  • Identify different categories of adaptation.
  • Investigate how animals are adapted to their environment.
  • Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support ideas.
  • Identify how animals are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.

Students’ outcomes

  • Explain how adaptation may lead to evolution, using examples from session activities.
  • To understand the term adaptation and how the marine iguana adapted and evolved to a new environment.
  • Explain and categorise adaptations of the marine iguana.
  • To be able to explain how finches colonised the Galapagos and how they evolved to become 13 distinct species.
  • To understand the term adaptation and how animals in different environments are suited to their environment.

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