Lesson summary for...

Evo in the news: Conserving the kakapo

Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology
Overview:This news brief, from April 2006, chronicles how researchers are using evolutionary theory to guide their strategies for conserving a critically endangered parrot - with some impressive results!
Concepts:This lesson covers the following concepts:
  • There is a fit between organisms and their environments, though not always a perfect fit.
  • Traits that are advantageous often persist in a population.
  • The process by which advantageous traits are maintained and disadvantageous traits are weeded out of a population is known as natural selection.
  • Theories are central to scientific thinking.
  • Scientists use experimental evidence to study evolutionary processes.
  • As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life.
Grade Level:9-12
Time:15 minutes
Teacher Background:Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson:
Teaching Tips:This article includes a set of discussion and extension questions for use in class. It also includes hints about related lessons that might be used in conjunction with this one.