Introduction
Evolution theory describes the pattern of changes organisms undergo over long periods of time. It results in adaptations and is driven by natural selection. You have already learned how populations interact with each other and their environments. Today, you will look more closely at the changes that result from interactions between animals and their environments. These changes are called adaptions and help the animals better survive in their specific environment. Many times these changes increase the odds of survival for individuals. This is known as natural selection, and will be explored more in the next class activity.
Although in this exercise you will be Wildlife Explorers, the research and study of animals’ adaptations that you will be doing in this activity is similar to that done by professionals across the science fields. Evolutionologists work with many other scientists to study the adaptations of animals. Information on adaptations comes from paleontologists that study ancient fossils, and current zoologists that study living animals (that’s what you will be doing). With this information, relationships can be determined between living animals and possible ancestors. Then, they are able to see how the animals evolved (changed) from the ancient relative to the current living relatives.
Your research can also be used in another way. Ecologists study the interactions of animals and their environment. By gaining the research done by others on adaptations, they are able to understand how animals have evolved to live in their specific environments and how they might change as a direct result of environmental change. For example, by looking at the pattern of adaptations in animals in the desert, they may be able to predict what would happen to a cold-climate animal if the Earth was to slowly get warmer (Global Warming). Your research can be an important predictor in determining animals of the future!
When you are ready, proceed to the Base Camp to view the Welcome Letter and access your Field Journal!
Although in this exercise you will be Wildlife Explorers, the research and study of animals’ adaptations that you will be doing in this activity is similar to that done by professionals across the science fields. Evolutionologists work with many other scientists to study the adaptations of animals. Information on adaptations comes from paleontologists that study ancient fossils, and current zoologists that study living animals (that’s what you will be doing). With this information, relationships can be determined between living animals and possible ancestors. Then, they are able to see how the animals evolved (changed) from the ancient relative to the current living relatives.
Your research can also be used in another way. Ecologists study the interactions of animals and their environment. By gaining the research done by others on adaptations, they are able to understand how animals have evolved to live in their specific environments and how they might change as a direct result of environmental change. For example, by looking at the pattern of adaptations in animals in the desert, they may be able to predict what would happen to a cold-climate animal if the Earth was to slowly get warmer (Global Warming). Your research can be an important predictor in determining animals of the future!
When you are ready, proceed to the Base Camp to view the Welcome Letter and access your Field Journal!
Page References
Human Evolution. [Online Image] Retrieved November 22, 2013 from http://romanmd.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/human-evolution1.jpg