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Activity for The Origin of Tetrapods

Photo from the film of Neil Shubin holding a Tiktaalik fossil

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
  • Evolution
  • Paleobiology
  • Earth Science
  • Earth History

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Film Activities

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
18 Users
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Description

This activity explores the concepts and research presented in the short film Great Transitions: The Origin of Tetrapods. The film describes the discovery of Tiktaalik, a key fossil that illuminates the evolutionary history of four-legged animals.

The Origin of Tetrapods provides a first-hand account of the search for Tiktaalik, a creature with a mix of features common to fish and four-legged animals (tetrapods). Tiktaalik, along with a series of species that existed before and after, illuminates key evolutionary steps in the transition of life from water to land. The “Student Handout” probes students’ understanding of the key concepts addressed in the film. The “Educator Materials” document provides suggested pause points in the film with questions for students, background information, and detailed discussion points; a list of related resources and references; and an answer key for the “Student Handout.”

Student Learning Targets

  • Describe how transitional fossils provide evidence of common ancestry between major groups of animals.

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

evolutionary transition, fish, fossil, paleobiology, Tiktaalik

Primary Literature

Daeschler, Edward B., Neil H. Shubin, and Farish A. Jenkins Jr. “A Devonian tetrapod-like fish and the evolution of the tetrapod body plan.” Nature 440 (2006): 757–763. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature04639.

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published 04.21.14
Date Updated 12.01.16

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-5; SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.C, EVO-1.D, EVO-1.N, EVO-3.E, EVO-3.G, SYI-2.C; SP1, SP2

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 10.3

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.6, 2.7
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.H, SP1, SP2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC2; DP1

Materials

Student Quiz (PDF) 3 MB
In-Depth Film Guide for Teachers (PDF) 3 MB

Use This Resource With

Video Resource
Great Transitions: The Origin of Tetrapods

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
Educator standing in front of a movie still. Play Video Next Slide Next Slide
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1-Minute Tips

Your Inner Fish and Origin of Tetrapods

Chi Klein describes how she uses both the "Your Inner Fish" film series and the "Origin of Tetrapods" short film in her classroom. These films are accompanied by a wealth of additional educational materials about the evolutionary origins of the anatomical features found in animals today.
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