Speciation

Introduction

WELCOME BIOLOGISTS!

 

A species is defined as a population or group of populations whose members interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Changes in the environment, which can come from natural or human causes, can contribute to the increase of a species’ populations, the creation of new species, or the decline and eventual extinction of a species. In this web quest, you will evaluate the evidence in two cases of speciation by developing and presenting an argument visually and in a one to two page summary.

 

Remember, that Speciation is the process by which a population of organisms evolve to become two or more distinct species.  There are 3 stages to Speciation:

  1. Separation- this happens when part of a population becomes separated from the rest of their species.
  2. Adaptation- over time, the groups evolve different sets of traits if the environmental conditions differ for each group.  The different traits provide an advantage for survival.
  3. Reproductive Isolation- this is the final stage of Speciation.  The two groups of the original species have evolved differently over time and can no longer interbreed.  At this stage the two groups are identified as different species.

 

It is your job to complete each task by reading the material, watching the videos, and answering the questions that follow. After you're done you will be ready for your evaluation. 

 

Learning Target:(HS-LS4-5) I can evaluate evidence that changes in the environment may lead to larger populations, new species, or extinction.

 

Guiding Question:  What can happen to a species if their environment changes? (Due to larger populations, speciation, or extinction.)

Process

Part 1:  Introduction

Watch this video about Speciation then answer the discussion questions that follow in your lab notebook.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udZUaNKXbJA

 Discussion Questions:

1.  What two factors determine whether a group of organisms is considered a species?

 

2.  What is the difference between Allopatric and Sympatric Speciation?

 

3.  Describe Geographic Isolation and give an example of it.

 

4.  Describe Behavioral Isolation and give an example of it.

 

5.  Describe Temporal Isolation and give an example of it.

 

 

Part 2: Case Study of Anoles Lizards

There are over 700 islands in the Caribbean that are home to approximately 150 species of anoles lizards. They live in diverse habitats and vary greatly in size, leg and tail length, and skin color and pattern. You will analyze the evidence to determine why there are so many species of anoles and how they evolved.

Using the link below, look at evidence of how the anoles lizard population adapted and grew in the diverse habitats.  You will be  scientists analyzing lizard traits, you will be taking measurements of different lizards and then categorizing them into groups.

After clicking on the link, click on the words "Enter Virtual Lab", then on "Module 1: Ecomorphs".  Follow the instructions on the virtual lab from there.  Don't forget to take detailed notes on your findings in your lab notebook!

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/lizard-evolution-virtual-lab

 

Part 3:  Case Study of London Underground Mosquitos

When the London underground tunnels were being constructed in the 19th century, some above-ground mosquitoes migrated underground and adapted to a subterranean environment. Research articles will present evidence of how the changes in their environment eventually led to a new species of underground mosquito that is unable to breed with the above-ground mosquitoes. You will create an argument to visually present as to how a new species of mosquitoes emerged.

Watch this video to get an introduction to how the London Underground tunnel mosquitoes differentiated:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8csCJ94kdvo

 

After you have watched the video, research news and scholarly articles about how environmental conditions affected a population of mosquitoes.  Take notes on your findings and record your sources in your lab notebook.

 

 

Part 4: Analyze Your Data and Present Evidence 

For the last portion of the web quest, you will create a 1-2 page summary of how changes in the environment (either naturally occurring or human induced) can cause extinction of the anoles lizards and underground mosquitoes.  In addition to your summary, you will create a visual presentation, such as a powerpoint or prezi.  Make sure to include how your summary overall addresses the guiding question, which will also require you to summarize your arguments from the case studies. To determine how you will analyze your data, think about the following:

  • How will you determine if there is a difference between the conditions during each experiment?

  • What type of calculations will you need to make?

  • What type of table or graph could you create to help make sense of your data?

Evaluation

Section

Beginning Mastery (1)

Near Mastery (2)

Mastery (3)

Learning Target:(HS-LS4-5) I can evaluate evidence that changes in the environment may lead to larger populations, new species, or extinction.

Topic and Content

Report lacks any evaluation of evidence to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

 

Report provides a basic evaluation of evidence to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

 

Report provides a knowledgeable and thoughtful evaluation of evidence to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Use of Evidence and Analysis

Report lacks relevant evaluation and analysis of evidence to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Report provides valid analysis of provided evidence, but not additional evidence, necessary to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Report provides substantial and valid analysis of provided and additional evidence to evaluate claims to support that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Coherence and Organization

Report lacks organized evidence and evaluations to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Report evidence and evaluation requires further organization or clarification to support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Report uses coherently organized evidence and evaluation to effectively support claims that changes in environmental conditions result in population changes.

Vocabulary and Academic Language

Report shows little use of academic and domain language which hinders the development of evidence and analysis.

-APA format is not used.

Report contains some academic and domain language when needed to support evidence or analysis.

-An attempt is made to use APA format

Report consistently makes use of accurate academic and domain language so that evidence and analysis is strengthened.

-APA format is used appropriately.

Exceeding Mastery (4)

In addition to mastery in all categories above, the report also includes 3 of the following elements: A counter-argument, an explanation of how the content from this report is related to content from another unit, a relationship to real-world examples or applications, additional sources, use of advanced appropriate scientific vocabulary.