Big Idea 1A: I can statements
I can define the terms: environment,
natural selection, genetic variation, mutation, species, population
I can summarize Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection
I can explain reproductive fitness in terms of natural selection.
I can explain how and why variations exist in a population
I can explain the roles that variation and mutation play in a gene pool
I can explain why a diverse gene pool is important to the survival of the population.
I can explain what an adaptation is and how a changing environment will select for
different traits.
I can explain the conditions necessary for Hardy Weinberg equilibrium
I can solve Hardy-Weinberg problems
I can make a conclusion from quantitative and qualitative evidence about the role of
natural selection in evolution
I can design a experiment that will demonstrate an understanding of how to apply the
Hardy Weinberg theorem in a mathematical model that draws conclusions regarding
Evolution
I can make a prediction about a population in the future from a Hardy Weinberg
simulation by using a mathematical model
I can make decisions regarding the quality of evidence that describes evolutionary
changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time
I can explain genetic drift
I can explain my data from a mathematical model regarding a Hardy-Weinberg based
genetic drift simulation
I can predict the effects of genetic drift, migration and artificial selection on the
genetic makeup of a population
I can cite evidence from many scientific disciplines that support biological evolution
I can explain what a vestigial structure is
I can identify morphological, biochemical, or genetic homologies between different
types of organisms
I can make a decision about the quality of evidence from many scientific disciplines
that support biological evolution
I can analyze a phylogenic tree based on allele, morphological or biochemical data
I am able to compare and contrast evidence from many scientific disciplines to support
the modern concept of evolution
I can design a plan to answer scientific questions regarding how organisms have changed
over time using information from morphology, biochemistry and geology.
Big Idea 1B: I can statements:
I can describe the characteristics of Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya
I can compare and contrast the characteristics of the three domains to underscore the
evolutionary relatedness
I can justify the claim that organisms share many conserved core processes and
features that evolved and are widely distributed among organisms today.
I can define what a species is.
I can identify shared characteristics in a phylogenetic tree or cladogram
I can make an inference about the evolutionary history of the group in the phylogenetic
tree or cladogram
I can identify character data that could improve or extend a phylogenetic tree or
cladogram.
I can make a decision regarding the quality of a phylogenetic tree or cladogram when
given a data set
I can create a phylogenic tree that represents evolutionary history and speciation from
a data set
I can explain adaptive radiation
I can compare and contrast punctuated equilibrium and gradualism
Big Idea 1C: I can statements:
I can give an example of an extinction and discuss how speciation was affected
I can analyze data regarding speciation and extinction that has occurred throughout
the Earth’s history
I can design a plan to collect data to investigate that speciation and extinction has
occurred throughout the Earth’s history
I know what speciation is and can identify the types of speciation (allopatric and
sympatric)
I can compare and contrast allopatric and sympatric speciation
I can explain reproductive isolation
I can compare and contrast the types of pre and post zygotic barriers
I can analyze data based on graphs or models of types of selection to predict what will
happen to the population in the future
I can justify the selection of data that supports reproductive isolation and speciation.
I can identify if a speciation is due to a change in gene frequency, change in
environment, natural selection, and/or genetic drift
I can describe a model that represents evolution in a population
I can look at a data set and determine if evolution is an ongoing process in that
situation.
Big Idea 1D: I can statements:
I can describe a scientific hypothesis about the origin of life on Earth
I can compare and contrast the organic soup model and solid reactive surface model to
create polymers from monomers that have the ability to replicate, store and transfer
information.
I can evaluate the scientific questions based on hypothesis about the origin of life on
Earth.
I can explain why there have been revisions on the hypothesis regarding the origin of
life on Earth.
I can explain the RNA World hypothesis.
I can make decisions about the accuracy and legitimacy of data to answer scientific
questions about the origin of life on Earth
I can cite geologic, molecular and genetic evidence that supports our current models of
the origin of the Earth