Design an Organism
Introduction: Living things have a variety of genes that determine
their characteristics or features. In any environment, the genes that
best help the organism survive are what scientists call
adaptations. In this activity, you will pretend that the
organisms you are creating have a huge variety of
genes that could be adapting to some unusual
environments. Use your imagination and the vast
knowledge of evolution by natural selection and
environments to create an organism that would thrive and reproduce
in your unique environment. In nature, living things do occupy nearly
every environment that we know. Living things are highly adaptable.
Think About it!
1. My environment:
2. Describe the environment (such as dark, dry, etc) Discuss the
place your organism lives in.
3. What type of food will it feed on? How will it do that?
4. What challenges does the environment have that the organism
will have to overcome?
5. Adaptations: Think about the color, shape, size, and unique
appendages your organism might have to best suit it to its
environment. List them and describe how it aids in your
organism’s survival.
6. Are the males and females different? How? Why or why not?
Remember reproduction is important for passing on genes.
7. Draw a picture of the environment and your organism. Label the
adaptations and unique components of the environment. Please
use color when necessary.