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Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab

Start Interactive
Photos of four lizards taken from the interactive.

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Evolution
  • Speciation
  • Math & Computational Skills
  • Data Analysis
  • Statistics

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Virtual Labs

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
3 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
233 Users
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Description

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.  

Student Learning Targets

  • ​​​​Collect and analyze data to quantify phenotypic diversity among populations.
  • Describe how DNA sequence analysis can provide information about evolutionary relationships among species.
  • Explain how similarities or differences in traits can evolve as adaptations to similar or different environmental conditions.
  • Explain the biological definition of a species and how new species can arise through reproductive isolation.
  • Perform statistical calculations, including calculations for the mean, standard deviation, standard error of the mean (SEM), and the 95% confidence interval.

Estimated Time

One to several 50-minute class periods, depending on which sections are used.

Key Terms

adaptation, convergent evolution, dewlap, ecomorph, evolutionary tree, graph, niche, reproductive isolation, species, statistics

Terms of Use

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

Version History

Date Published 06.20.14
Date Updated 05.27.21

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-2, HS-LS3-3, HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-3, HS-LS4-4; SEP2, SEP4, SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.C, EVO-1.D, EVO-1.E, EVO-1.G, EVO-1.M, EVO-1.O, EVO-3.A, EVO-3.B, EVO-3.C, EVO-3.E, EVO-3.F; SP3, SP4, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2, 5.4, C.1

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.3, 2.6
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.E, ERT-2.H, SP4, SP5, SP6

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1, 3.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.7, ELA.RST.9–12.9, ELA.WHST.9–12.1
Math.S-ID.3; MP2, MP6

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC5; DP1, DP3

Materials

Resource Google Folder (link)
Worksheet (PDF) 300 KB
iOS App - iPad (Link) 378 MB

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
Educator in front of an image of a scientist looking at a lizard on a branch. Play Video Next Slide Next Slide
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1-Minute Tips

Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab

Mark Eberhard describes how he uses the Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab to reinforce key concepts in ecology, genetics, and evolution. His AP® Biology students use the lab to make cross-curricular connections and incorporate math skills into their biology coursework.
Previous Slide Next Slide
Educator in front of an image of a lizard Play Video Next Slide Next Slide
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1-Minute Tips

Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree

Bob Kuhn describes how he uses BioInteractive resources to teach speciation to his students.
Previous Slide Next Slide
Close Modal

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Phenomenal Images
The Lone Anole
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Look Who's Coming for Dinner: Selection by Predation
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Data Points
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Lizards in Hurricanes
Image of an anole from the film.
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The Origin of Species: Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree
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Activity for Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree
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Reproductive Isolation and Speciation in Lizards
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Using DNA to Explore Lizard Phylogeny

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Spreadsheet Tutorial 1: Formulae, Functions, and Averages
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Spreadsheet Tutorial 2: Autofill Data, Cell References, and Standard Deviation
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Spreadsheet Tutorial 3: Column Graphs, Error Bars, and Standard Error of the Mean
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Evolution in Action: Data Analysis
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