Unit 2 -- Adaptations and the Environment

The last unit revealed that life on earth displays an extraordinary ability to adapt and survive in many different environments. In this unit we will examine in more detail some of the adaptations organisms have acquired to survive in their particular environment and then study the basic mechanism by which organisms adapt, a process called "evolution by natural selection."

SEC2d. Relate the role of natural selection to organismal adaptations that are specific to their habitats and describe some examples of coevolution.

Assignment 1: Adaptations and the Environment: Watch the following videos entitled "Adaptations (defined), "Adaptations to Biomes," and "Animal Adaptations." Make a list of the specific adaptations that allow organisms to survive in the different global environments we studied in the previous unit. Define the terms on the Adaptations and Environment vocabulary worksheet as you go. Be prepared to discuss what you learn with the class. (Click here to see worksheet).








Assignment 2: Watch this next video entitled "Freshwater Sharks" to witness an extraordinary adaptation of an organism in an aquatic environment.



Quiz: Short (paper) quiz on what you have learned about "adaptations."

Assignment 3: Adaptation through "Evolution by Natural Selection" - mini lecture. Take notes. Continue to complete worksheet.

Observe evolution by natural selection in action by watching the following video entitled "Natural Selection." Participate in the class discussion that follows.



Assignment 4: Evolution, Natural Selection and the Environment. Watch the following set of videos explaining "patterns of evolution." Take note of the reciprocal role the environment plays in encouraging adaptations of organisms living in that environment. Be prepared to discuss what you learned in the videos afterwards.

Divergent Evolution
Convergent Evolution
Adaptive Radiation
Co-evolution

Adaptations to changing environment transformed terrstrial mammal into whale.