Course Outline
Course Description
Evolution is the unifying theory of biology, explaining both the diversity and the shared characteristics of living organisms. In this course, students will investigate how variation arises within populations, how natural selection drives evolutionary change, and how scientists use evidence from fossils, anatomy, embryology, and DNA to support evolutionary theory. Students will also explore biological classification, biodiversity, speciation, extinction, and conservation, developing a comprehensive understanding of life's history and diversity.
Unit 1: Variation Within Species
Overview
Students explore the differences that exist among individuals within populations and examine the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to variation. They will learn why variation is essential for evolution and how it can be measured and analyzed.
Subtopics
- What Is Variation?
- Genetic Variation
- Environmental Variation
- Continuous and Discontinuous Variation
- Measuring Variation in Populations
Key Skills
- Identifying sources of variation
- Distinguishing genetic and environmental influences
- Analyzing biological data
- Interpreting graphs and distributions
- Explaining the importance of variation
Unit 2: Natural Selection and Adaptation
Overview
Students investigate the mechanisms of evolution through natural selection. They will explore competition, adaptation, selection pressures, and the gradual changes that occur within populations over time.
Subtopics
- The Theory of Natural Selection
- Competition and Survival
- Adaptations
- Selection Pressures
- Evolution Through Natural Selection
Key Skills
- Applying Darwin's theory
- Explaining adaptation
- Analyzing survival advantages
- Predicting evolutionary outcomes
- Connecting variation to natural selection
Unit 3: Evidence for Evolution
Overview
Students examine the major lines of evidence supporting evolutionary theory. They will investigate fossils, anatomy, embryology, molecular biology, and contemporary examples of evolution occurring in modern populations.
Subtopics
- Fossil Evidence
- Comparative Anatomy
- Embryology
- Molecular Evidence and DNA
- Observing Evolution Today
Key Skills
- Interpreting fossil records
- Comparing anatomical structures
- Analyzing developmental similarities
- Evaluating DNA evidence
- Using evidence to support scientific explanations
Unit 4: Classification and Biodiversity
Overview
Students explore how living organisms are organized and classified. They will investigate taxonomic systems, scientific naming, domains and kingdoms, and methods used to measure biodiversity within ecosystems.
Subtopics
- Why Organisms Are Classified
- Taxonomic Hierarchy
- Binomial Nomenclature
- Domains and Kingdoms
- Measuring Biodiversity
Key Skills
- Classifying organisms
- Using taxonomic hierarchies
- Applying scientific naming conventions
- Comparing groups of organisms
- Interpreting biodiversity data
Unit 5: Speciation and Conservation
Overview
Students investigate how new species arise and why others disappear. They will explore the causes and consequences of extinction, major threats to biodiversity, and conservation strategies designed to protect ecosystems and species.
Subtopics
- What Is a Species?
- Speciation
- Extinction
- Threats to Biodiversity
- Conservation Strategies
Key Skills
- Explaining speciation
- Evaluating extinction events
- Assessing threats to biodiversity
- Analyzing conservation efforts
- Applying ecological and evolutionary concepts to real-world issues
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the sources and importance of variation within populations.
- Describe how natural selection leads to adaptation and evolution.
- Evaluate multiple lines of evidence supporting evolutionary theory.
- Classify organisms using modern taxonomic systems.
- Explain the importance of biodiversity.
- Describe how new species form through speciation.
- Analyze the causes and consequences of extinction.
- Evaluate conservation strategies used to protect biodiversity.
- Apply evolutionary principles to biological and environmental challenges.
Recommended Background Knowledge
Students should have completed introductory studies in:
- Cells and Life Processes
- Genetics and Inheritance
- Ecology and Ecosystems
Students should also be familiar with:
- DNA and genes
- Basic reproduction
- Graph interpretation
- Scientific investigation skills
Estimated Course Length
20–30 hours of study, depending on the depth of investigations, research activities, case studies, and assessments completed.
Final Challenge
Students will investigate a species, population, or ecosystem and explain how variation, natural selection, evolution, biodiversity, and conservation are interconnected. Using scientific evidence and ecological data, they will evaluate current challenges and propose strategies to help preserve biodiversity for future generations.
"Evolution explains the unity of life, while biodiversity celebrates its incredible variety."