Lesson Summary: Evo in the news: Better biofuels through evolution

Lesson summary for... Evo in the news: Better biofuels through evolution Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology

Overview:	This news brief from April 2009 describes how synthetic biologists are using the process of directed evolution to improve the efficiency of biofuel production.
Concepts:	This lesson covers the following concepts: Artificial selection provides a model for natural selection. Evolution results from selection acting upon genetic variation within a population. Mutations are random, but selection is not; selection is dependent on many factors. As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life.
Grade Level:	9-12
Time:	20 minutes
Teacher Background:	Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson: Artificial Selection Natural Selection Relevance
Teaching Tips:	This article includes a video podcast, a set of discussion and extension questions for use in class, and hints about related lessons that might be used in conjunction with this one.