Lesson summary for...

The genes that lie beneath: The work of Leslea Hlusko

Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology
Overview:Evolutionary biologist Leslea Hlusko’s research takes her from the deserts of Ethiopia, where she hunts for hominid and primate fossils, to a baboon colony in San Antonio where she takes thousands of measurements of the primates' imposing canines. This research profile describes how the two projects are linked by a hunt for genetic variation, a key component of natural selection.
Concepts:This lesson covers the following concepts:
  • Present-day species evolved from earlier species; the relatedness of organisms is the result of common ancestry.
  • There is a fit between organisms and their environments, though not always a perfect fit.
  • The fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
  • The fossil record documents the biodiversity of the past.
  • There are similarities and differences among fossils and living organisms.
  • Evolution results from selection acting upon genetic variation within a population.
  • Evolution acts on what exists.
  • Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype.
  • Scientists use fossils (including sequences of fossils showing gradual change over time) to learn about past life.
Grade Level:9-12
Time:40 minutes
Teacher Background:Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson:
Teaching Tips:You might use the guiding questions at the beginning of this article or the discussion questions at the end to stimulate class discussion after students have read the article.