Charles Darwin Introduction Are the postulates of natural selection supported in the results of the Grant finch study? In the Grant's study of Darwin's finches, does the drought of 1977 result in selection pressure for a particular phenotype or genotype? Although Darwin did not know it at the time, his finches on the Galapagos Islands would serve as a model for studying natural selection "in motion". It will be your job to find and analyze another example of evolution by natural selection and determine 1) if and why your example supports the postulates of natural selection and therefore, shows evidence of natural selection happening and 2) if your scenario results in selection pressure for a particular phenotype or genotype. You will then prepare a powerpoint presentation showing your findings of the example or study you researched and analyzed and what scientific evidence you found in your research that supports those findings.

Assessment Please click on the "Grading rubric" below that will be used to grade your multimedia project. Grading Rubric

Learning goals To introduce the following postulates of natural selection: 1) Individuals within a population vary in their traits: 2) Some of these variable traits are heritable; they are passed on to offspring. 3) More offspring are produced than can survive because of limited resources such as food and nesting sites. 4) Individuals with advantageous traits will survive and reproduce. Students will apply their knowledge of above postulates in analyzing graphs, illustrations, or mechanisms from an example of evolution by natural selection. They will incorporate scientific analytical skills and deductions to show how and why the findings from their chosen scenario supports each postulate. At the conclusion of the each presentation, students will explain if and why their scenario resulted in a selection pressure for a particular phenotype or genotype, and how the conclusions from the scenario demonstrate this.

Links to Assist You With Your Research and Presentation http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/chance/chance.html http://www.rit.edu/~rhrsbi/GalapagosPages/DarwinFinch.html www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/educators/course/session4/grants_finch_data.pdf www.uctv.ucsb.edu/more/voices/m3400Cgrant.html http://evolution.berkeley.edu/ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/01/010111074902.htm

Examples of Good and Bad Student Presentations Bad Student Presentation Good Student Presentation

Thinking skills Students will be challenged to analyze scientific data (if using the results of a scientific experiment), mechanisms or processes of the elements of natural selection (i.e. molecular biology, DNA analysis, protein analysis) to show natural selection progressing in a specific example. Students will be expected to refer to primary scientific literature and have knowledge of graphical interpretation and incorporate the postulates of natural selection based on their deductions.

Requirements 1. With three classmates, review and discuss the postulates of natural selection. Remember that these have already been discussed as a class in great detail so you should take this time to ask each other questions and address any misconceptions. 2. Use the internet or your textbook to find detailed examples of the process of natural selection. You may want to try the "Understanding Evolution" website at http://www.evolution/berkeley.edu on the "links" section. There are many examples to choose from but be sure to find something you find interesting! The main idea is find evidence of evolution by natural selection applying the four postulates that you have learned and determine if this results in a selection pressure for a particular phenotype or genotype. 3. Research your example of natural selection. While internet resources are a great start, you are required to refer to at least 1 primary resource. 3. Devise an outline that consists of the four postulates. For each postulate, explain if any part of your example/scenario supports the postulates, and if natural selection is evident in this process (Steps 1-3 will be due in 1 week) 4. Prepare and present to the class a 10 minute powerpoint presentation based on your example/scenario. You should focus on the four postulates and the results from your example that support any or all of these postulates. At the conclusion of your presentation, you should acknowledge and explain if example shows evidence of natural selection and if natural selection acts on phenotypes or genotypes. Include any data, illustrations, mechanisms, or processes that support your findings. Be sure to cite your references appropriately in your presentation with a bibliography slide that shows your references (Step 4 will be due in 2 weeks) 5. After presentations each student will complete "Student Reflection" form on natural selection. (Due the following class period) Student Reflection Form