The Lone Anole

Resource Type
Description
This activity explores an image of an anole lizard, which serves as a phenomenon for learning about adaptations and natural selection.
Anoles are a diverse group of lizards with nearly 400 known species. This image shows a male Plymouth anole displaying its bright yellow dewlap, the flap of skin attached to its throat. Each anole species has a dewlap of a characteristic color and shape, as well as specific head bobbing and dewlap displaying behaviors. These traits help anoles communicate with members of the same species, attract mates, and ward off predators.
The “Educator Materials” document includes background information and implementation suggestions for using the image as a phenomenon. The “Student Handout” includes the image and background information.
Image by Jonathan Losos, Harvard University
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
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Examine images of phenomena, make observations, and ask questions.
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Collaborate with peers on ideas, ask questions that require higher levels of reasoning, and develop deeper understanding of concepts.
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Identify structures or behaviors that may be adaptations and explain what evidence would be needed to support such claims.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
adaptation, Anolis, behavior, courtship, dewlap, reproduction, reproductive isolation, sexual selection, speciation
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-5; SEP1
AP Biology (2019)
EVO-1.D, EVO-1.O; SP3
IB Biology (2016)
5.2
AP Environmental Science (2020)
Topic(s): 2.4, 2.6
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.F, ERT-2.H, SP2
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)
2.1
Common Core (2010)
ELA.WHST.9-12.9
Vision and Change (2009)
CC1; DP1