Name: _____________________________

Period: ________

Evolution Research Project

Background:

Throughout the Evolution Unit, you have learned how species change over time, driven by the process of natural selection. You have also learned that genetic mutations cause variations within species. These variations can either be helpful, harmful, or neutral. If the variation turns out to be helpful, it may cause the individual to be better suited to survive in its environment, and thus more likely to produce offspring. As more individuals within the population possess this beneficial variation, it may eventually become an adaptation for that species. Driven by changes within the environment and natural selection, species are able to change and adapt.

Directions:

As a conclusion to the Evolution Unit, you will be conducting a research project. After you compile your research, you will create a digital presentation using a presentation app of your choice.

You have three research options to choose from:

Option 1 - Endangered Species

Choose an endangered species and answer the following questions:

1. Describe the natural history of the species. What type of organism? What are its characteristics?
2. Where does this species live? What is its habitat like? What type of dangers does this species face?
3. What adaptations does this species have to help it survive within its environment? From what species were these adaptations inherited?
4. What adaptations does this species lack, which is leading to its demise?
5. Explain the evolutionary history of the species. What other species are related to the species you are researching? What is the current state of these species? Endangered? Extinct? Just fine?
6. How are scientists helping to save this species?
7. What can kids do to help this species?

Option 2 - Extinct Species:

Choose an extinct species and answer the following questions:

1. Describe the natural history of this species. What type of organism? What are its characteristics?
2. When did this species first appear on Earth?
3. Describe how the environment in which this species lived help to drive its evolution.
4. Describe the evolutionary history of the species? From what intermediate species did it evolve? Which species were its ancestors?
5. Describe the common ancestry of this species. What evidence is available to support this common ancestry?
6. What led to the extinction of this species? Describe the events that led to its extinction. What adaptations could it have possessed to prevent its extinction?

Option 3 - Human Activity:

Choose a human activity that affects living things and answer the following questions.

1. Describe a human activity which affects living things. Why do humans conduct this activity?
2. What species are affected by this human activity?
3. Choose one species which is greatly affected by this human activity and answer the remaining questions:

1. What is the name of the species? Describe its natural history.
2. Where does the human activity, which affects this species, occur?
3. How has the species responded to this human activity? How might this species respond in the future?
4. If this human activity continues, and the species continues to evolve, what might it look like in the distant future?
5. Why should we be concerned about this human activity affecting this species?
6. What could humans do differently to have less of an impact on this species?