Modelling Evolution (& other concepts) Through
Natural Selection.
 Using the materials provided, model your ideas on how the
long neck of the giraffe could have arisen over time.
1. Record your evolutionary pathway in pictures.
2. Draw a storyboard/create a PowerPoint of the evolutionary
process.
3. Write a paragraph describing your evolution of the giraffe neck.
Attempt to include keywords.
Stimulus Material:
 Materials – model trees/grassland (3 height food sources –
grass, low tree, high tree), model giraffe ancestors (short neck –
pipecleaner base), naturally varied neck lengths (art straws cut
to set lengths to fit over common ancestors short neck),
camera/phones (to record the evolution of the neck length).
 The giraffe has a long neck which has evolved over time and
through natural selection.
 Giraffes need male and females to sexually reproduce.
 Characteristics are inherited from the parents, those that
provide an advantage to survival, tend to be passed on more
successfully.
 Giraffes have competitions for resources both within and
without their species.
EXTENDED/ALTERNATIVES
Use pack to;
Model competition (for resources/mates).
Interdependence (tree/giraffe) leading to potential extinction (tree
death leads to …).
Adaptations/neck vs tree height – driving evolution.
Teacher Notes:
Introduce/remind students of inheritance of characteristics and
random mutations.
Discuss that giraffes breed sexually and competition for mates exists
in the species. This competition is energetic and related to
size/strength (linked to ability to access energy -food). The strongest
tends to breed most and pass on its genes (characteristics).
Inform students that they need to model several generations to
achieve the classic giraffe neck.
Note: Ability dependent instruction:
Low ability may need reminding of several concepts before they run
with task.
High ability let loose and see what happens.