Proficiency Assessment
H.2L.4 Natural Selection
H.2L.5 Evidence for Evolution
Standard: Explain how biological evolution is the consequence of the interactions of genetic
variation, reproduction and inheritance, natural selection, and time.
Standard: Explain how multiple lines of scientific evidence support biological evolution.
Title: Are Humans Still Evolving?
Introduction
H.2L.4
Evolution
 Natural selection is the mechanism for evolution.
 Species change over long periods of time.
 Mutation and genetic recombination create diversity.
Natural Selection
 More organisms are born than can possibly survive.
 Variation occurs in organisms due to mutation and recombination of genes.
 Genetic vs. biological diversity.
 The availability of resources in the environment is limited.
 Organisms best adapted to their environment survive longer and are more likely
to reproduce.
Vocabulary: evolution, adaptation, isolation, natural selection, speciation, variation,
barrier, co-evolution, cross-breeding, embryonic, gradualism, hybridization, immunity,
interbreeding, mutation, punctuated (equilibrium)
Possible learning targets:
Explain how biological evolution is the consequence of the interactions of
genetic variation, reproduction and inheritance, natural selection, and time.
H.2L.5
Lines of Evidence
 Homologous structures
 Analogous structures
 Vestigial Structures
 Fossils
 Embryology
 Geographic isolation
 Reproductive isolation
 Geology (plate tectonics)
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
September 4, 2012


Genetic (DNA)
Biochemical (Amino Acid Sequence)
Vocabulary: homologous structures, vestigial structures, analogous structures, fossils,
reproductive isolation, convergent evolution, divergent evolution, mitochondrial DNA
Possible learning targets:
Explain how multiple lines of evidence support biological evolution.
Assessment
Designed to allow students to make an evidence-based, evaluative statement on the action of
evolution in modern life, this writing activity will allow students to fully describe the process of
evolution as it may occur in a single species, including multiple lines of evidence.
Type: Essay
Time needed: 1-2 class periods
Materials: Paper and pencil – can be typed at teacher’s discretion
Directions: Deliver student task description and scoring guide to students. Give them
time to write.
Possible adaptations: Choose a different species.
Student Handout
Are Humans Still Evolving?
On a blank piece of notebook paper, write your answer in multiple paragraphs addressing:
 Are humans still evolving?
 Are there individual traits that may or may not be evolving? Explain.
 Are there traits that may or may not evolve based upon societal factors (where
someone lives provides different access to medicine and nutrition, for example)? Why
or why not?
 Are there traits that, on their surface, should disappear from a population but continue
to reappear? Why or why not?
 Are there traits that can now be artificially selected through biotechnology?
 Are humans undergoing speciation? Why or why not?
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
September 4, 2012
Check list
H.2L.4 and H.2L.5 Evolution and the Age of the Earth
Include the Following
Heading
Title
Name (First and Last)
Date
Class
Elements
Spelling
Conventions (capitalization, punctuation, paragraphs)
Use vocabulary from state standard: evolution, adaptation, isolation,
natural selection, speciation, variation, barrier, co-evolution, crossbreeding, embryonic, gradualism, hybridization, immunity,
interbreeding, mutation, punctuated (equilibrium)
See Directions/procedures
Scoring
See rubric
Format
Written explanation
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Evidence = X
September 4, 2012
Scoring Guide
H.2L.4 Natural Selection
H.2L.5 Evidence for Evolution
Standard: Explain how biological evolution is the consequence of the interactions of genetic
variation, reproduction and inheritance, natural selection, and time.
Standard: Explain how multiple lines of scientific evidence support biological evolution.
Score
Description:
4.0
Exceeds
Evaluate the impact of the interactions of genetic variation, reproduction
and inheritance, natural selection and time on biological evolution.
3.5
Can complete level 3.0 and can partially complete level 4.0.
3.0
Meets
Explain how biological evolution is the consequence of the interactions of
genetic variation, reproduction and inheritance, natural selection and
time, using multiple lines of supporting scientific evidence.
2.5
Can complete level 2.0 and can partially complete level 3.0 or 4.0
2.0
Nearly meets
Describe the process of biological evolution through natural selection.
1.5
Can complete level 1.0 and can partially complete level 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0.
1.0
Beginning
Recognize that species have changed over time, with help
0.5
Can produce some evidence of basic knowledge, with help.
0.0
Has no
understanding
Cannot provide any evidence of knowledge or understanding, even with
help.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
September 4, 2012