Evolution of a mockingbird

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Science Evolution and genetics

This activity unravels the mystery of the mockingbird and how the Thenca of Chile helped Darwin on his voyage of discovery ‘On the Origin of Species.’

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Introduction

Learning objectives

Use appropriate scientific language to identify and discuss how scientific ideas have changed and developed over time.
Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
To understand how changes in the environment may lead to extinction for individuals or an entire species that is less well adapted to compete and reproduce successfully.

Students’ outcomes

To use observational skills to ID different species of mockingbirds.
To explain how the mockingbird was the catalyst in Darwin’s thinking about evolution.
To explain how a change in environment may lead to extinction.

Resources in English

Evolution of a mockingbird

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Resources in Spanish

Evolución de un cucuve

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