Biological Evolution: Unity & Diversity

MS-LS4-4
8th
Proficiency Scale Descriptors Evidence of Meeting the Standard
4-Exceeds Synthesize and critique evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in Using multiple scientific sources, present an argument
Standard a population increase some individuals probability of surviving and reproducing in for or against the theory of natural selection making sure
a specific environment. to refute the alternate point of view.
3.5 Meets Level 3 and shows some evidence of Level 4
3-Meets Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic Design a creature with desired traits to survive on a
Standard variations of traits in a population increase some individuals probability of fictional planet and describe its evolutionary history.
(Consistent surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
Evidence,
Independent)

2.5 Meets Level 2 and shows some evidence of Level 3

2-Approaching Students recognize or recall specific vocabulary such as:
Standard
Content: genetics, gene, heredity, inheritance, variation, adaptation,
(Independent) probability, proportional, evolution, natural selection, population
cademic: model, construct, qualitative, quantitative, phenomena,
A advantageous traits.
probability, relationship
Students demonstrate they have the ability to:
1. Describe theory of evolution driven through natural selection
2. Compare and contrast positive and negative traits of an organism in a
given environment, in order to predict their rate of survival.
3. Identify a cause & effect relationship between inheritance of traits
increasing or decreasing the chances of successful reproduction and
natural selection
4. Describe genetic variation within species that can be passed to offspring
5. Reason that the proportion of organisms with advantageous traits in a
population will increase over time due to natural selection
1. Describe how natural selection leads to
evolution.
2. Identify resources available to an environment
and the effect that has on selection for
3. Predict the rate of survival of an organism by
completing various labs/experiments.
4. Identify the chances of successful reproduction
and natural selection of an organism by
completing various labs/experiments.
5. Reason that organisms with traits that are more
advantageous will survive and reproduce by
completing various labs/experiments.

1-Not at With help, partial success at score 2.0 content and score 3.0 content.
Standard
0-No Evidence With help, no success and/or no evidence of success.