Biodiversity and Evolutionary Trees

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In this interactive activity, learners analyze seashells to explore phylogeny and evolution. Learners identify similar and dissimilar seashells to create a phylogenetic tree. The Teacher Guide includes pre-activity video clip suggestions and a pre-activity sorting exercise. The Teacher Guide also includes instructions on how learners can draw a phylogenetic tree instead of using the online interactive.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Computer with internet access
  • Shell cards (optional)
  • Drawing pen/paper, whiteboard/marker, masking tape, or string (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth's History
      • Fossils
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
      • Classification
    • Ecology
      • Populations
    • Evolution
      • Evidence for Evolution
      • History of Life
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Collecting
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • use keyboard
  • use mouse

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2010