Lesson Summary: Relevance of evolution: Conservation

Lesson summary for... Relevance of evolution: Conservation Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology

Overview:	Explore just a few of the many cases in which evolutionary theory helps us form conservation strategies.
Concepts:	This lesson covers the following concepts: Evolution results from selection acting upon genetic variation within a population. Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction. Depending on environmental conditions, inherited characteristics may be advantageous, neutral, or detrimental. The amount of genetic variation within a population may affect the likelihood of survival of the population; the less the available diversity, the less likely the population will be able to survive environmental change. Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype. Classification is based on evolutionary relationships. As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life.
Grade Level:	9-12
Time:	30-40 minutes
Teacher Background:	Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson: Classification/Phylogenetics Genetic Variation Artificial Selection Relevance
Teaching Tips:	This article is one of a set of three (agriculture, conservation, and medicine) that can be used to teach about the relevance of evolution. This article exemplifies many different evolutionary concepts and would be well-supported by materials focusing on each of these concepts in particular. It touches on some fairly advanced topics towards the end.