Natural Selection

Performance Expectation

MS-LS4-4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.

In Student-Friendly Words...

I can explain how certain traits help some organisms survive and reproduce better than others.

Big Ideas

Individuals within a population have different traits.
Some traits help organisms survive and reproduce more successfully.
Helpful traits become more common over time.
Natural selection changes populations over many generations.

Interactive Learning

Bunnies Natural Selection PhET

Rock Pocket Mouse Simulation

Peppered Moth Game

Arctic Animal Discovery

Insects: Mini Masters of Disguise

Watch & Learn

What is natural selection? | Natural History Museum

What is Natural Selection?

Natural Selection Animation

Natural Selection - Explained Simply

Ear Worms

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution | Natural Selection Explained | Educational Rap Song

Natural and Artificial Selection | Rap Video by SquidBooks

Natural Selection Song: The Ballad of the Peppered Moth

Evolution and Natural Selection Song (Stronger by Kanye West- Parody)

Real-World Connections

Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria that survive antibiotics can reproduce and pass on traits that help them resist future treatments.

Pesticides

Some insects can survive pesticides and reproduce, causing populations to become more resistant over time.

Animal Adaptations

Traits that help animals survive in their environments can become more common in populations over generations.

Changing Environments

When environments change, organisms with traits that help them survive may have a better chance of reproducing.

Take It Further

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