Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·conceptual
Evidence for Evolution
Describe the main types of evidence for evolution: the fossil record (change over time), comparative anatomy (homologous structures), and the geographic distribution of related species
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Explains how fossils form and what they can tell us about past life
- Uses the fossil record as evidence that species have changed over time
- Describes homologous structures (e.g. pentadactyl limb) as evidence for common ancestry
- Explains why island species provide evidence for evolution (e.g. Darwin's finches, Galapagos)
Assessment prompt
If Evidence for Evolution visited a natural history museum and saw fossils and skeletons of different animals, could they explain how scientists use those to build up evidence that species change over time — and that different animals are related?
Standards alignment
MS-LS4-1US · ngss-ms
MS-LS4-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
MS-LS4-2US · ngss-ms
MS-LS4-2
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Bio.Adaptation.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Variation and natural selection
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3
KS3.Sci.Bio.Adaptation.4GB · uk-nc-2013
Genetic variation and evolution
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3