Period 2:11C1, 11C2
Assignment title
Is survival in the genes?
Task 3: Genes or the
environment?
You are asked to design a display for the Extinct Animals Zone that
shows the public how evolution has taken place, using the fossils
and specimens as part of the display.
a) Find a picture of an animal that has changed over several
hundred years or more. On the picture, clearly label three
features that are controlled by genes alone. (PASS)
b) Under the picture, describe two features that are controlled by
genes but influenced by the environment or lifestyle of the
animal. Describe how these two features could be altered by
changes in the environment (e.g. food supply, chemicals
introduced into the environment, changes in climate) or
changes in the lifestyle of the animal (e.g. changes to diet or
behaviour). (PASS)
c) Provide diagrams or pictures showing your chosen animal at
different stages of evolution. You may need to add some notes
to identify the differences, if they are not obvious.
Add notes to each of the above stages to explain how the
animal’s genes and their environment have caused the animal
to evolve. You will need to indicate how these changes have
allowed the animal to survive. (MERIT)
d) Include in your display an assessment of the impact of each
genetic and environmental factor on the animal’s survival. Give
a conclusion saying which factor has had the biggest impact in
allowing the survival of the animal and why you think this is the
case. (DISTINCTION)
e) Select a second animal that has become extinct. Find a picture
of this animal and write a label with comments explaining the
causes of the extinction of this animal. Include some comment
on whether genetic or environmental factors have had the
biggest impact on causing this animal to become extinct. (Dis)
Evidence to produce
A large poster or powerpoint.
Unit
Criterion
reference
Evaluate the impact of genes and the environment on the survival or
extinction of organisms.
4
2A.D1
Explain the role of genes and the environment in evolution.
4
2A.M1
Describe the role of genes and the environment in variation.
4
2A.P1
To achieve the criteria you must show that you are able to: