MS-LS4-6 - Performance Expectation

Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.

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

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Vocabulary
mathematical representationsnatural selectionexplanationstraitspopulationstime
Skills
  • use (mathematical representations) #dok2
  • support (explanations of natural selection) #dok3
  • explain (changes in trait frequencies in populations over time) #dok3
  • analyze (data related to trait variation and population changes) #dok3
Learning Targets
  • I can recognize key vocabulary related to natural selection and trait frequencies. #dok1
  • I can identify the components of a mathematical representation that shows trait changes in populations. #dok1
  • I can use graphs or mathematical models to show changes in specific traits in a population over time. #dok2
  • I can describe how natural selection can change the frequency of traits within a population using data. #dok2
  • I can analyze population data to identify patterns of increases or decreases in traits due to natural selection. #dok3
  • I can support explanations of how mathematical evidence demonstrates changes in population traits over time. #dok3
Big Ideas
  • Natural selection influences which traits become more or less common in a population over time.
  • Mathematical models and data can provide evidence for how and why populations change in response to environmental factors.
Essential Questions
  • How does natural selection affect the traits of populations over time?
  • In what ways can mathematical representations be used to show the impact of natural selection?
  • What patterns in trait frequencies help scientists understand natural selection in populations?
  • Why do some traits increase in a population while others decrease or disappear?
  • How can data and evidence explain the process of natural selection in real-world populations?