Context

Evolution is a central topic for understanding all of biology. Evolution is the change over time in the heritable characteristics of biological populations. This change occurs because heritable characteristics are passed on from parents to offspring, and because those heritable characteristics affect how organisms look and behave. In other words, "Evolution" is the process by which populations of organisms change over generations.

In this project, we will focus on two important thinkers in the history of evolutionary thought: Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin. Both men made major contributions to our understanding of evolution, although their approaches and conclusions were quite different. Lamarck was the first to propose that species change over time and promoted an idea of "use and disuse". Darwin, on the other hand, is best known for his theory of natural selection, in which species change as a result of individuals that are better adapted to their environment being more likely to survive and reproduce.

Importance of Topic

The study of evolution allows us to understand the amazing diversity of life on our planet - from the smallest bacteria to the largest animals. Understanding evolution helps us to make sense of why species are the way they are, and how they adapt to the world around them. This is a fundamental understanding for all areas of biology, from ecology to medicine.

Additionally, the way in which evolution shapes life has direct, practical implications for our everyday lives. For example, antibiotic resistance - a major global health threat - is a direct result of evolution. By understanding the evolutionary process, we can work towards solutions to address this challenge.

Learning Activity

Activity Title: "Evolutionary Journey: From Lamarck to Darwin"

Learning Objectives

Through this project, students will:

• Understand the evolutionary theories of Darwin and Lamarck.
• Outline the differences and similarities between these theories.
• Apply these theories to explain the evolution of a fictional species.
• Work in teams to research and prepare a presentation.

Activity Description

This is a group project designed for a team of 3-5 students that will take approximately 5-10 hours per student to complete. Teams will choose a fictional species and describe how that species would evolve according to Lamarckian and Darwinian theories.

Materials

• Access to the internet for research
• Computers or laptops
• Presentation creation software (such as PowerPoint or Google Slides)

Activity Procedure

1. Create teams and select a species: Organize into groups of 3-5. Each team should come up with a fictional species for the project.

2. Research evolutionary theories: Using the resources provided and other sources, students should research the evolutionary theories of Lamarck and Darwin, focusing on natural selection and use and disuse.

3. Apply theories to fictional species: Students should then describe how their fictional species would evolve according to Lamarckian and Darwinian theories.

   3.1. Application of Lamarckian theory: Explain how the fictional species would change according to Lamarck's use and disuse law.

   3.2. Application of Darwinian theory: Describe how natural selection, according to Darwin, would influence the evolution of the fictional species.

4. Create a presentation: Develop a presentation, using a software of your choice, that explains the theories of Lamarck and Darwin and shows how each theory would explain the evolution of your fictional species.

5. Write a report: Be sure to write a report. In the report, students should include an introduction, discussion, and conclusion, as well as references used. Be sure to follow the guidelines below for each section.

Project Deliverables

1. PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation: The presentation should include a detailed description of the theories of Lamarck and Darwin and a description of how the fictional species would evolve according to each of these theories.

2. Written report: The report should follow this outline:

   2.1 Introduction: Introduce evolution as a prevailing scientific narrative and the importance of understanding its theories to explain the diversity of life. Briefly introduce the theories of Darwin and Lamarck and state the fictional species selected for this study.

   2.2 Discussion: Describe in detail the characteristics of the fictional species and how Lamarck's and Darwin's theories would explain its evolution. Discuss the similarities and differences between the two theories and how each contributed to the understanding of evolution.

   2.3 Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the study, what was learned, and make concluding statements about the work completed.

   2.4 References: List all sources consulted while completing the project.