Lesson summary for...

Evo in the news: Musseling in on evolution

Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology
Overview:This news brief, from September 2006, reviews a recent case of evolution in action. In just 15 years, mussels have evolved in response to an invasive crab species. Find out how biologists uncovered this example of evolution on double time.
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.
  • Scientists pose, test, and revise multiple hypotheses to explain what they observe.
  • Scientific ideas are developed through reasoning.
  • Scientists use experimental evidence to study evolutionary processes.
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.