Evolution
(n.)- descent with modification from preexisting species; cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms; the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations (Miriam-Webster Dictionary)
This unit focused on evolution and how the process affects all living beings on Earth today. We demonstrated our knowledge and further learned about the process and theory of evolution through three projects: a cladogram diagram of hardware, a timeline of the evolution of a specific species, and a lab of the PCR process and gel electrophoresis that we later documented in a report.
This unit focused on evolution and how the process affects all living beings on Earth today. We demonstrated our knowledge and further learned about the process and theory of evolution through three projects: a cladogram diagram of hardware, a timeline of the evolution of a specific species, and a lab of the PCR process and gel electrophoresis that we later documented in a report.
Key Concepts
Species: the basic category of biological classification made up of related individuals that share similar characteristics and traits
Natural Selection: the process of the four stages (mutation, competition, survival & reproduction) affecting a certain environment and its individual inhabitants to allow the strongest to survive and reproduce to pass on their advantageous traits
Mutation: a change in DNA that may affect the individual and possibly lead to an adaptation
Adaptation: an advantageous mutation of an individual that is developed and passed on through reproduction
Speciation: the creation and development of a new species through primarily allopatric or sympatric speciation
Allopatric Speciation: the creation and development of a new species due to a geographic change
Sympatric Speciation: the creation and development of a new species due to a behavioral change
Taxonomy: the study of and classification of organisms through seven ranks (domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species)
Cladogram: branching diagram that shows the cladistic relationship of a group of species
PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction that is used to duplicate DNA
Gel Electrophorisis: A process that separates DNA by length
Allele: a gene form from mutation
Natural Selection: the process of the four stages (mutation, competition, survival & reproduction) affecting a certain environment and its individual inhabitants to allow the strongest to survive and reproduce to pass on their advantageous traits
Mutation: a change in DNA that may affect the individual and possibly lead to an adaptation
Adaptation: an advantageous mutation of an individual that is developed and passed on through reproduction
Speciation: the creation and development of a new species through primarily allopatric or sympatric speciation
Allopatric Speciation: the creation and development of a new species due to a geographic change
Sympatric Speciation: the creation and development of a new species due to a behavioral change
Taxonomy: the study of and classification of organisms through seven ranks (domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species)
Cladogram: branching diagram that shows the cladistic relationship of a group of species
PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction that is used to duplicate DNA
Gel Electrophorisis: A process that separates DNA by length
Allele: a gene form from mutation
Projects
HARDWARE CLADOGRAM PROJECT:
In this project, we classified different pieces of hardware, such as nuts, bolts, screws, and nails, based on their distinguishable characteristics as if the materials were living organisms. The pictures below are our final product of our group's cladogram and the document is our presentation of the story we created to accompany and explain the cladogram creatively.
In this project, we classified different pieces of hardware, such as nuts, bolts, screws, and nails, based on their distinguishable characteristics as if the materials were living organisms. The pictures below are our final product of our group's cladogram and the document is our presentation of the story we created to accompany and explain the cladogram creatively.
PCR LAB
In this lab, we ran PCR and gel electrophoresis in order to show the alu repeats within our genomes, allowing us to trace our ancestry. Below is my lab report that further analyzes the lab in more detail.
In this lab, we ran PCR and gel electrophoresis in order to show the alu repeats within our genomes, allowing us to trace our ancestry. Below is my lab report that further analyzes the lab in more detail.
SPECIES TIMELINE
For this project, my partner and I chose to research the evolution of the sea turtle and trace the animals' ancestry as far back as possible. Below is the slideshow we created as our presentation to fully represent our studies of this species.
For this project, my partner and I chose to research the evolution of the sea turtle and trace the animals' ancestry as far back as possible. Below is the slideshow we created as our presentation to fully represent our studies of this species.
Reflection
This unit of three projects went overall rather well. As a group, we started off a little rough, but ended up collaborating well towards the end of the project. We struggled with communication, not truly discussing our approach of the report until a few days before the project was due. This also resulted in a problem with our team dynamic, the frustration of each individual manifested in our conversations. However, I feel as if I helped move the group along in a positive direction by focusing on distributing work among each one of us. I also believed that I listened to all ideas presented by each member and incorporating the suggestion in the final product. This unit was a learning experience for me that I hope will help me in the future!