How do opposable thumbs help you complete certain tasks? An activity about evolutionary traits prompts learners to try writing their name, twist the lid off of a jar, and use tweezers to pick up a straw, first with their normal grip, and...

For this human hand worksheet, students study the adaptations of the human hand. They perform experiments with their thumbs taped to their hands and compare the time it takes to complete certain tasks to the time it takes to complete...

Students compare their performance of a series of tasks using their thumb and fingers to their performance of the same tasks without the use of their thumb. They discuss the role of fine and gross motor skills and speculate on the role...

Young scholars compare and their performance of a series of tasks using their thumb and fingers to their performance of the same tasks without the use of their thumb. The class discussion that follows the activity defines and discusses...

In this primate evolution worksheet, students use a diagram showing different primate adaptations to complete 3 short answer questions comparing human traits and primate traits.

High schoolers compare the features of gorilla to humans. In this biology lesson, students simulate adaptation using materials found in the classroom. They explain what exaptation means.

At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...

Students make posters about saving the primates. In this primates lesson plan, students discuss primates and environmental changes and make posters with pictures about saving primates.

In this primate evolution worksheet, students will review the structures and functions that are characteristic of primates. Students will identify the differences between Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and prosimians. This...

Learners conduct a short experiment to determine the importance of the opposable thumb by taping their thumb to render it useless while they proceed to do an everyday activity. In the end students will have the opportunity to reflect on...

Explore the evolutionary advantage of stereoscopic vision and the fully opposable thumb, and describe how each adaptation might affect the use of tools in humans and primates.

Use this site for information on the Western Lowland Gorilla. The information consists of special adaptations the gorilla has had to make, what it looks like, where it is found in the wild, what it likes to eats, and what its...