Evolution Webquest
How has life on earth evolved?
What is the evidence for this evolution?
Who was Charles Darwin and how did his
Theory on the Origin of Species change
modern biology?
What examples from the Galapagos Islands
helped Darwin to formulate his Theory?
How does the evolutionary process work? Is
life on earth evolving today?
How can the evolutionary history of an
organism be shown on a phylogenetic tree?
How might animals evolve in the future?
Introduction
These are Blue-Footed Boobies, much like Charles Darwin
In this project, you will explore these questions to
would have observed on the Galapagos Islands. There is a
gain a greater understanding of evolution. When you
Red-footed Booby as well. 
have finished this, you will understand and be able to
explain the process of evolution. "Evolution is the result of geneticonchanges
the Galapagos
that occur
Islands.in There
constantly
is a Red-footed
changing
Booby
as
well.

environments." You will be demonstrating your comprehension of evolutionary processes by creating an
evolutionary project and presenting it to your class.
A. Darwin Tutorial
B. Evidence of Evolution Tutorial
Ready to learn more about Evolution?
C. Classification and Phylogenetic Tree
Begin your quest by taking notes in your notebook (left side)
as you follow the links provided. Remember to consider the questions in italics on the right side of your
notebook as complete your research. “Notes” may be displayed in any form; concept map, short statements,
sketches etc. Just be sure you have enough information to be able to apply what you have learned while doing
your final project!
Choose your project type:
Now that you have learned about the basics of evolution, you are ready to demonstrate your understanding. Pick
one of the options below to be your project. Begin by browsing the instructions in each link before you make
your choice.
All projects must include either a written report or a powerpoint presentation:
A Written Report (500-1000 words) or A Power-Point Presentation (minimum 12 slides)
 include the idea of natural selection
Tree of Life Web Project Home Page
 changes in the DNA
Animal Diversity
 adaptations due to changes in the environment
 surivial of the fittest
Four Tips for Better Web Searching
 explain each diagram/image used
You are not limited to the web-links provided and may “Google” for information as needed.
Option 1. Design a fictitious organism and tell its evolutionary story.
Build a model or draw a picture of your organism. Then, in a report and power point presentation, describe in
detail the habitat that it lives in and the habitat that it's ancestors have lived in. List 5 adaptations that the
organism has developed to help it survive along with an explanation of why these adaptations have occurred.
Describe the natural selection process that has occurred to help produce the animal, with evidence for its
evolution. Incorporate Darwin's main ideas in your explanation.
Option 2. Pick an organism of your choice, research its evolutionary history, and present it in a
phylogenetic tree with captions.
Begin by researching your organism on the web. You might be able to find not only its evolutionary history, but
also an example of a phylogenetic tree for it online or in a book. The following websites can help you with your
research. Make sure that your finished diagram is neat, well spaced, and makes good use of font size, color, and
graphics. Add explanation in report format to explain what happened at the different branching points in your
diagram, using Darwin's main ideas as part of your explanation. These are usually key adaptations or features.
**LOOK - Your will have 3 class periods scheduled in the computer lab to create this project. If you think
you will need more time, bring a travel drive so that you may take it home to work on it.
You must use your time wisely! Remember, these are INDIVIDUAL projects, there is no reason for you to
spend time TALKING to your neighbor while in the computer lab.