Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab

This interactive, modular lab explores the evolution of the anole lizards in the Caribbean through data collection and analysis.

The Caribbean is home to about 150 species of anole lizards. In this lab, students investigate how so many species of anoles evolved. The lab includes four modules that cover different concepts in evolutionary biology, including adaptation, convergent evolution, phylogenetic analysis, reproductive isolation, and speciation. In each module, students engage in key science practices, including taking measurements to collect data, constructing and interpreting graphs, and performing statistical analyses.

The lab contains an interactive lab space, an informational notebook, and embedded quiz questions. It also includes supplementary resources, such as an “Educators” tab with key concepts, learning objectives for each module, and detailed suggestions for incorporating the lab in class.

The accompanying worksheet provides structure and guidance as students perform the tutorials, experiments, and quizzes in the lab.

The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.