Lesson Summary: Evo in the news: Evolution at the scene of the crime

Lesson summary for... Evo in the news: Evolution at the scene of the crime Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology

Overview:	This news brief, from March 2006, describes how DNA fingerprinting is being used to prosecute and exonerate the accused. DNA fingerprinting relies on the processes of mutation and genome evolution.
Concepts:	This lesson covers the following concepts: Not every feature of an organism is an adaptation, but features often reflect their evolutionary history. Evolution may occur as a result of genetic drift. 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: Genetic Variation Relevance
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.