Evidence for Evolution
WebQuest
"Nothing in biology makes sense, except in light of evolution."
- Theodosius Dobzhansky,
Theodosius Dobzhansky was a geneticist whose work influenced 20th century research
on evolutionary theory. The above quote emphasizes the role of evolution as the most
important unifying principle in biology. Living things might, at first, seem very diverse, but
closer inspection reveals a surprising unity. This unity, or common ancestry, can be
explained by evolutionary theory. With such an important theory at stake, it is essential
to understand the evidence upon which it is based.
Your Task:
In this Evolution WebQuest you will investigate a variety of types of evidence for
evolution. Your team will be responsible for learning about fossil evidence, structural
evidence, and genetic evidence for evolution and presenting this information to the class.
The Process:
1. Group of three researchers. Each group will be assigned a certain species. Each group
will have a specialist in anatomy and physiology, paleontology, and molecular biology.
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Anatomists study the structure of organisms
Physiologists study the function of organisms
Molecular biologists study genetics
Paleontologists study fossils.
2. Review the sites that apply to your specialty. You may use the suggested sites as a
guide, but you must find your own resources.
3. Find four to five examples of evidence for evolution. Try to find specific examples, so
that when you present to the class you will all have different examples to share. Also, try
to find the date on which the evidence was discovered.
5. The recommended sites are just examples. You must also search for your own.
Anatomists/Physiologists
• Evidence Supporting Biological Evolution (see "Common Structures")
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11876&page=R1
• What Is Morphology and Why Is It Important?
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/stories/middle/C7.html
Molecular Biologists
• Evolution Makes Sense of Homologies
http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~bio336/Bio336/Lectures/Lecture5/Overheads.html
Paleontologists
• Fossils Can Show How Certain Features Evolved
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-transitional.html
6. Reconvene with your group to create a presentation that includes four to five examples
from each specialist (a total of 12-15 examples for the final presentation). Be prepared to
explain the examples and relate them to their historical time period. You may use
pictures, markers, rulers, etc. to create a poster board. You may also create a video!
7. Create a list of citations for the back of the poster.
8. Present evidence for evolution to the class. You will be graded on your oral
presentation and on the poster content.
The oral presentation is worth 10 points.
The poster/video and evidence is worth 30 points.