Teaching Evolution Using Lizards and Tetrapods

In this activity, students build and interpret phylogenetic trees to deduce how specific adaptations evolved among anole lizards in the Caribbean.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, combine it with the film The Origin of Species: Lizard in an Evolutionary Tree (resource 2 in this playlist) as follows:

• Have students complete question 1 in part 1 of the “Student Handout.”
• Show the film from 0:00–9:48.
• Have students complete questions 2–3 in part 1 of the handout.
• Lead a class discussion on questions 4–6 in part 1 of the handout.
• As homework, have students complete part 2 of the handout, including the “Analysis Questions.” The last question requires watching the remainder of the film.
• The next day, lead a class discussion about why mitochondrial DNA is used in this activity.

Estimated Time: 50 minutes of class time for the activity and discussions.

This film shows the adaptations of anole lizards to habitats in the Caribbean. The film discusses how these observable differences relate to adaptive radiation, convergent evolution, and speciation through reproductive isolation.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, refer to the notes accompanying the “Using DNA to Explore Lizard Phylogeny” activity (resource 1 in this playlist).

Estimated Time: 18 minutes of class time for the film only.

This film follows the scientific process of scientists trying to explain the sudden disappearance of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.

Have students watch the film as homework. This film provides background information for the next resource in the playlist.

Estimated Time: 0 minutes of class time.

In this Click & Learn, students explore environmental factors involved in each of Earth’s five mass extinctions and the species affected.

To use this resource as part of this playlist:

• Have students work through the Click & Learn in small groups.
• Upon completion of the Click & Learn, lead a class discussion comparing the similarities and differences between the mass extinctions. Discuss the evidence for a sixth mass extinction.

Estimated Time: 50 minutes of class time.

This film follows the discovery of key fossils from the extinct vertebrate Tiktaalik, which helped scientists uncover the evolutionary origins of four-legged animals, or tetrapods.

Have students watch the film as homework. This film provides background information for the next resource in the playlist.

Estimated Time: 0 minutes of class time.

In this Click & Learn, students examine fossils of fish, tetrapods, and their transitional forms.

Have students explore the Click & Learn and complete the “Student Worksheet” individually or in small groups.

Estimated Time: 50 minutes.

In this virtual lab, students explore different concepts in evolution by taking measurements and analyzing data from anole lizards.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, have students complete only Modules 3 and 4 of the lab.

• In Module 3 (Experimental Data), students collect and analyze limb length data to compare two populations of lizards living in different habitats. The data provide experimental evidence of evolutionary change, to illustrate that change can be observed in a relatively short time.
• In Module 4 (Dewlap Colors), students collect and analyze dewlap color data to compare two populations of lizards. This module focuses on the role that sexual selection plays in evolution.

Estimated Time: 45 minutes.