Evolution is one of the most fundamental concepts in biology. The process of evolution by natural selection has produced some of the most spectacular traits found in living organisms. In this lesson students will explore the concept of evolution by natural selection using mimicry as an example. Mimicry refers to a similarity between more than one species for the purpose of protection. For example, a non-poisonous species may closely resemble a poisonous species, and this resemblance protects the non-poisonous species from predators. In this session, students will play a scavenger hunt game using Easter eggs to demonstrate the benefits of mimicry and the conditions under which mimicry can evolve.
At the conclusion of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the process of evolution by natural selection and be able to identify/explain its three components
- Understand that populations evolve, not individuals
- Understand that evolution occurs across generations, not within a generation
- Understand the concept of mimicry and how it can evolve
- Relate patterns to theory
- Use evidence and reason to form a conclusion
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