Life Sciences Term 3

1: Evolution by Natural Selection

• Introduction

  Evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics.

  Theories of human evolution are based on research and scientific evidence that support the concept of continual change. Sources like geology, anatomy, embryology, genetics and physiology have been used as explanations for the theories.  Further lines of evidence are fossil records, modification of descent, Biogeography and genetics.

  Lamarck and Darwin are two of many scientists that have formulated theories about evolution.  Lamarck’s theory has been rejected while Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection has been accepted.

  At this point in time, you as the grade 12 teacher, have not yet taught Evolution as a topic. This training offered will assist in the teaching of the topic. It is also important that the Diagnostic report of November 2019 is also consulted to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes as in the past. You will also notice that we have included terminology lists as these are crucial for good performance. Please ensure that your learners do regular terminology activities and tests.
  

• Module overview

  This module deals with Evolution by natural selection. The module starts with notes and important “tips” for learners. There is a detailed terminology list, followed by evidence of evolution, Lamarckism and Darwinism, punctuated equilibrium, artificial selection, speciation, mechanisms of reproductive isolation and evolution in present times.
  

• Learning outcomes

  By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Teach the terminology associated with evolution
    
  • Create a cross word puzzle on the computer
    
  • Explain the following as evidence for evolution:
    
  • Fossil records
  • Biogeography
  • Modification by descent
  • Genetics
  • Give a review of the contribution of each of the following to variation that exists amongst individuals of the same species:
    
  • Meiosis
  • Crossing over
  • Random arrangement of chromosones
  • Mutations
  • Random fertilisation
  • Random mating
  • Distinguish between continuous and discontinuous variation
    
  • Describe and apply the evolutionary theories of Darwin and Lamarck
    
  • Administer the gr.12 SBA task and assess the task correctly
    
  • Explain what Punctuated Equilibrium is
    
  • Explain what artificial selection is
    
  • Able to classify questions according Bloom’s taxonomy
    
  • Explain how speciation takes place through geographic isolation
    
  • Give a brief outline of reproductive isolation mechanisms that help to keep species separate
    
  • Describe and explain an example of natural selection and evolution in present times.
    

  
  

• Study materials

• DBE & MGSLG. (2020). Life Sciences T3 Module 1 Study Guide File 6.4MB
• DBE & MGSLG. (2020). PPT: Evolution through Natural Selection File 8.5MB
• Videos Page
• 
  Module structure

  Unit 1: Terminology and defining the concepts of evolution

  • View the link below for further information on this topic
  • Complete activity 1.1 on pages 5 - 6 of the module guide
  • Using the NEW Word document below, complete activity 1.2 on page 7 of the module guide. Save this Word document in the following format: Full name_Module 1. This document will be used for further activities in this module.

• Module 1 Unit 1 Page
• Activity 1.1: Word search activity o/s!!!

• Activity 1.2 File
• 
  Unit 2: Evidence of evolution and sources of variation

  • View the link below for further information on this topic.

• Module 1 Unit 2 Page
• 
  Unit 3: Lamarckism and Darwinism

  • View the link below for further information on this topic
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 1.3 on page 12 of the module guide
  • Access the forum tool below to discuss the following with your peers:
  • How could Lamarck have re-worded his theory if he had all the knowledge available today?
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activities 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 on pages 14 - 18 of the module guide. Should you elect to draw the diagrams / graphs manually, take a picture of your diagram and save the image file in the following format: Full name_Module1 1_Activity X.X
  • Access the forum tool 1.6 below to discuss the following with your peers:
  • At the rate humans are misusing the earth, the possibility to have a very different earth in 100 year's time is very strong. What impace will this have on the animal and plant species on earth?

• Module 1 Unit 3 Page
• Forum discussion tool: Activity 1.3: Lamarck's theory
• Forum discussion tool: Activity 1.6
• 
  Unit 4: Punctuated equilibrium

  • For further information on this topic, view the link below
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 1.7 on pages 23 - 27 of the module guide
  • Access the discussion tool below to reflect on the following with your peers:
  • What other species can you think of where punctuated equilibrium has occurred? What role does the environment play in punctuated equilibrium?

• Module 1 Unit 4 Page
• Forum discussion tool: Activity 1.7
• 
  Unit 5: Artificial selection

  • For further information on this topic, click on the link below
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 1.8 on pages 29 - 31 of your module guide
  • For your convenience, the weighting table has been included as a soft copy below. Ensure that this document is submitted with all other activities / documents at the end of this module.

• Module 1 Unit 5 Page
• Activity 1.8 File
• 
  Unit 6: Speciation

  • For further information on this topic, click on the link below
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 1.9 on pages 33 - 35 of the module guide
  • Review activity 1.10 and reflect on how you can use this activity in your classroom.

• Module 1 Unit 6 Page
• 
  Unit 7: Mechanisms of reproductive isolation

  • For further information on this topic, click on the link below
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 1.11 on pages 38 - 39 of the module guide.

• Module 1 Unit 7 Page
• 
  Unit 8: Evolution in present times

  • Click on the link below for further information on this topic
  • Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 1.12 on pages 41 - 43 of the module guide
  • Submit ALL your activity documents / image files by using the submission tool below.

• Module 1 Unit 8 Page
• Submission tool: Module 1 Assignment
• 
  Subject methodology

  Enrichment resources

  Review the enrichment resources below. One of the videos by Origins Explained, runs through 10 alternative evolution theories. This video could open up some interesting discussions with your learners?

• Biology Dictionary. (2017). Common Descent URL
• New England Complex Systems Institute. (nd). Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium URL
• The Teacher's Corner. (nd). Crossword Puzzle Maker URL
• WordMint. (nd). Evolution puzzles (Full copyright) URL
• Additional videos Page
• 
  Technology support

  The two links below entail online Evolution games which can be incorporated into your lesson plans on this topic. Are these resources which you'd be willing to investigate as teaching aids?

• Bioman. (nd). Evolution games URL
• NOVA Labs. (nd). Evolution (activity) URL
• 
  Module summary

  Life exists in a variety of life forms and it is in the study of Evolution through Natural Selection that enables learners to understand where the biodiversity that exists today evolved from and how the millions of species came about.

  In order to understand species, speciation, biodiversity and change, it is essential to understand the theories of Darwin and Lamarck and why we reject Lamarck’s theory and accept Darwin’s theory. This module covers all the requirements for the DBE NSC exams w.r.t. the topic: Evolution by Natural Selection.