7th Grade Science Guide

7.5: Changes in Species 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 6

STANDARD ● 7.5.1 Construct an explanation that describes how the genetic variation of traits in a population can affect some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment. Over time, specific traits may increase or decrease in populations. Emphasize the use of proportional reasoning to support explanations of trends in changes to populations over time. Examples could include camouflage, variation of body shape, speed and agility, or drought tolerance. (MS-LS4-4, 4-6, 1-5)

CONCEPTS

SKILLS

● Genetic Variation ● Traits in a population ● Probability of surviving and reproducing ● Increase or decrease of specific traits in a population

● Construct an explanation ● Describe

LEARNING PROGRESSIONS

● Due to sexual reproduction there is genetic variety ● Some traits may lead to a better likelihood of surviving and reproducing in specific environments ● Offspring who inherit beneficial traits for an environment may also survive and reproduce ● The beneficial trait may become more prevalent in an ecosystem or environment ● This process is called natural selection

VOCABULARY

● Genetic variation ● Probability

● Drought tolerance ● Diversity ● Trend ● Population ● Evolve

● Sexual reproduction ● Aexual reproduction ● Beneficial ● Distribution ● Adaptation ● Natural selection

● Environment ● Proportional ● Camouflage ● variation

POSSIBLE PHENOMENA ● Tawny Owls in Finland used to be found most often with gray feathers. In the last 30 years, brown

feathers have become more and more common in the Tawny Owl. ● Walking sticks are hard to see because they look like a stick.

● The Paddlefish is an organism found in the rivers of Oklahoma, that has a large beak or nose. ● There are many similar species of finches in the Galapagos Islands, with one notable difference: there are many different sizes and shapes of beak. END OF UNIT COMPETENCY WITH LANGUAGE SUPPORTS ● I can explain how some traits can increase or decrease an organism's chance of survival in a