MS-LS4-2 - Performance Expectation

Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.

Middle School · Next Generation Science Standards · NGSS Lead States 2013

Standard Unwrapping

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Vocabulary
scientific ideasexplanationanatomical similaritiesanatomical differencesmodern organismsfossil organismsevolutionary relationships
Skills
  • apply (scientific ideas to construct an explanation for anatomical similarities and differences) #dok3
  • construct (explanations for evolutionary relationships based on anatomical data) #dok3
  • compare (anatomical features of modern and fossil organisms) #dok2
  • infer (evolutionary relationships from similarities and differences) #dok3
  • analyze (data about anatomical structures to identify relationships) #dok2
Learning Targets
  • I can identify anatomical similarities and differences among modern and fossil organisms. #dok1
  • I can describe evolutionary relationships between organisms using anatomical evidence. #dok2
  • I can analyze anatomical data to determine relationships among organisms. #dok2
  • I can compare anatomical features of modern and fossil organisms to infer patterns. #dok2
  • I can apply scientific ideas to construct explanations for evolutionary relationships. #dok3
  • I can justify inferences about evolutionary history using anatomical similarities and differences. #dok3
Big Ideas
  • The anatomical structures of organisms—both living and extinct—provide crucial evidence of evolutionary relationships.
  • Similarities and differences in anatomy among modern and fossil organisms reveal patterns that help scientists infer the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
Essential Questions
  • What can anatomical similarities and differences among organisms tell us about their evolutionary relationships?
  • How do scientists use anatomical evidence to infer relationships between modern and fossil organisms?
  • Why are both similarities and differences important in constructing explanations for evolutionary relationships?
  • In what ways do fossil organisms help us understand the evolution of life?
  • How can scientific ideas about anatomy be applied to explain evolutionary history?