Introduction to Evolution and Classification Unit

Introduction to Evolution and Classification Unit

by Reshawndra Hutchins-Trapp

​Overview of the unit

​The genetics unit served to build your background knowledge of genetics and how traits are passed from generation to generation. This unit will further explore the role genetics plays in natural selection. You will investigate the survival of organisms and their successive generations as related to their inherited characteristics and adaptations. You will examine the fossil record found in sedimentary rock as an important tool in providing evidence of evolution.

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​The classification portion of the unit will have you investigate organisms’ organization from basic to complex. You will complete a comparative study of the six kingdoms of life which will ultimately lead you to the understanding that all living organisms are made of cells (including humans) and all participate in these processes in order to maintain life. At the end of the classification unit, you will be able to create a dichotomous key and understand that an organism can be identified by its physical characteristics through the use of a dichotomous key.

​To get started, let's review genetics

Genetics is a branch of biology concerned with the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.​

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​What do you remember about our study of genetics? The next few slides will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of genetics. Good Luck!

Multiple Choice

Where is DNA mostly found within a cell?

• The nucleus

• The cytoplasm

• The cell membrane

• The mitochondria

Multiple Choice

Spirogyra are green algae that can reproduce sexually. Which of the following identifies reproduction in Spirogyra as sexual reproduction?

• Each offspring contains chloroplasts.

• Genetic material is contributed by two parent cells.

• Several offspring may be produced at once.

• The cells of parent algae have nuclei.

Multiple Choice

Why do sex-linked disorders occur more often in males?

• Males have only one X chromosome.

• Males have two Y chromosomes.

•  Males have two X chromosomes

• Males have two X and two Y chromosomes.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an example of asexual reproduction?

• Mrs. Johnson takes pollen from one plant and uses it to fertilize another plant.

• Mrs. Johnson prevents one type of sweet corn in her garden from pollinating another type of sweet corn  in her garden.

• Mrs. Johnson gives her neighbor a piece from one of her African violets so the neighbor can start a new plant with it.

• Mrs. Johnson gives her neighbor some seeds that grew in her garden so the neighbor can plant a garden next year.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an example of an inherited trait?

• Addison enjoys swimming.

• Pablo speaks French.

• Keimari can roll her tongue.

• My Xuan can play the piano.

Multiple Choice

Ranchers historically have used genetics to produce new varieties of cattle. Buffalo can tolerate both hot and cold temperature but have meat that is not as tasty and tender as beef. Cattle that are subjected to severe temperature extremes produce meat that is neither tender nor good-tasting. 

What good qualities might a “beefalo”(cross between cattle and buffalo) possess?

• Animals that tolerate heat and cold but have good-tasting meat.

• Animals with good-tasting meat but not tolerance to heat.

• Animals that tolerate cold but do not have good-tasting meat.

• Animals that tolerate heat and cold but do not have good-tasting meat.

Multiple Choice

Which process involves choosing certain organisms to reproduce with one another in order to pass on specific, desirable traits to their offspring?

• Artificial Selection

• Natural Selection

• Selective breeding

• Evolution

Multiple Choice

The uppercase letter W represents the dominant allele for white wool in a sheep. The recessive allele for black wool is represented by the lowercase w. All the offspring of two sheep are black. What are the genotypes of the offspring?

• Ww

• ww

• WW

Multiple Choice

What is the function of genetic material in a cell?

• Controls what comes into a cell and what goes out.

• Provides transport of materials from the nucleus to the cell membrane.

• Breaks down materials brought into the cell.

• Provides information a cell needs to function and grow.

Open Ended

What is something interesting you learned about genetics?