Evolution: Examining Fossil and DNA Evidence (SEPUP) KIT #903S

In Activity 1, students investigate how fossil whales provide a line of evidence in support of the theory of evolution. Students then apply the theory of natural selection to whale evolution, using anatomical adaptations to infer the habitats, lifestyles, and evolutionary relationships of extinct species. In Activity 2, students examine classification from an evolutionary perspective. They compare DNA sequences from a number of vertebrates and create an evolution­ary tree.

Fossils provide important evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed. Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes, such as natural selection, over many generations. Scientific inquiry includes critical thinking to evaluate evidence and the explanations proposed by other scientists.

1	Teacher’s Guide
28	Student Worksheets and Guides
12	Sets of five Skeleton Cards
12	Whale Fossil Charts
12	Mysticetes Skeleton Cards
12	Sets of five DNA Cards
3	Transparencies

Number of students24

Number of groups Maximum 12 groups per period