SCI-MS.LS4.04

Life Science Logo7th Grade (SCI) Life Science Standards
[LS4] Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity 

SCI-MS.LS4.04 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.

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using simple probability statements and proportional reasoning to construct explanations.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS4.B: Natural Selection Natural selection leads to the predominance of certain traits in a population, and the suppression of others.


Student Learning Targets:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can recognize or recall specific terminology (geographic isolation, mutation, variation, adaptation, natural selection, trait, evolution, species, vestigial structures, DNA, embryology, homologous structures).  
  • I can list the three sources of variation (mutation, geographic isolation, movement).  
  • I can recall Charles Darwin’s principals of natural selection.

Reasoning Targets

  • I can explain how variation in a population can lead to the formation of a new species.  
  • I can explain why variation is important in a population. 
  • I can describe the effects of natural selection.   
  • I can list and explain the evidences of evolution. 

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can

Product Targets

  • I can

Proficiency Scale

The Student can ...
1 Beginning
... with help, demonstrate a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
  • descriptors
2 Developing
... demonstrate no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
  • recognize or recall specific terminology.
  • list the three sources of variation.
  • recall Charles Darwin’s principles of natural selection. 
Vocabulary: geographic isolation, mutation, variation, adaptation, natural selection, trait, evolution, species, vestigial structures, DNA, embryology, homologous structures
3 Proficient
“The Standard.”
... demonstrate no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.
  • explain how variation in a population can lead to the formation of a new species.
  • describe the effects of natural selection. 
  • explain why variation is important in a population.
  • list and explain the evidences of evolution. 
  • explain how natural selection influences the passing on of traits.
Sample Activity:
model the influence of the environment on traits by calculating allele frequencies over several generations.

4 Advanced
... demonstrate in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations.
  • descriptors

Click Here to view the Proficiency Scale

Resources

Vocabulary

  • geographic isolation
  • mutation
  • variation
  • adaptation
  • natural selection
  • trait
  • evolution
  • species
  • vestigial structures
  • DNA
  • embryology
  • homologous structures

Websites

  • Chapter 6 of Life Science textbook 
  • Title of website with a URL to open in a new window

» 7th Grade Life Science