Evolution in Real Time
Module 09 — Birds Don’t Lie
Target Phenomenon
UCSD Juncos — rapid evolutionary change in urban birds observable in a student’s lifetime.
NGSS Standards
- HS-LS4-4 — Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptations of populations. (Genetic variation → adaptation)
- HS-LS4-5 — Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in increases in the number of individuals of some species, the emergence of new species over time, and/or the extinction of other species. (Environmental factors)
- HS-LS4-6 — Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity. (Human impact on biodiversity)
Lesson Breakdown
| Lesson | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| L01 | [TBD] | Launch |
| L02 | [TBD] | Explore |
| L03 | [TBD] | Explain |
| L04 | [TBD] | Elaborate |
| L05 | [TBD] | Evaluate |
Total: 5 lessons
Recommended Prior Module
M07 — The Arms Race (Natural Selection)
Notes
Condensed from legacy 16-lesson Juncos unit. Focus on data analysis — students graph, interpret, and argue from real datasets.