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This Using DNA to Explore Lizard Phylogeny activity also includes:
- Using DNA to Explore Lizard Phylogeny — Summary (HTML)
- Student Materials
- Lizard Cards (Color)
- Lizard Cards (Black and White)
- Anolis DNA Sequences (Text)
- Test Sequence File (Text)
- Reference Phylogeny
- Sequence Alignment Introduction
- Teacher Document - Spanish Version
- Student Document - Spanish Version
- Sequence Alignment - Spanish Version
- Video
- Join to access all included materials
On the Caribbean islands, lizards expanded into different niches instead of competing for resources. Scholars discuss and learn from experts in a video how scientists prove the theory. They build phylogenetic trees based on appearances and then adapt their understanding with updated DNA results.
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Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- Challenge pupils to research and create a phylogenetic tree of another group of animals
- Discuss how phylogenetic trees changed when DNA analysis added another level of understanding
Classroom Considerations
- Relies on prior knowledge of natural selection, evolution, adaptation, niches, DNA, species, and phylogenetic trees
Pros
- Provides background information and a link to additional resources
- Includes all resources in both English and Spanish
Cons
- None