Lesson summary for...

Viruses and Host Evolution

Author/Source: Chamberlain, Don
Overview:Students learn about natural selection in rabbits by observing the effects of a virus on the Australian rabbit population.
Concepts:This lesson covers the following concepts:
  • Evolution results from selection acting upon genetic variation within a population.
  • The process by which advantageous traits are maintained and disadvantageous traits are weeded out of a population is known as natural selection.
  • Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction.
  • The proportion of individuals with advantageous characteristics may increase due to their increased likelihood of surviving and reproducing.
  • Speciation is the splitting of one ancestral lineage into two or more descendant lineages.
  • As with other scientific disciplines, evolutionary biology has applications that factor into everyday life.
Grade Level:9-12
Time:Four class periods.
Teacher Background:Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson:
Teaching Tips:This activity assumes that students have received information about viral structure, the viral replication cycle, differences between RNA and DNA viruses, and some effects of viruses on living tissues.