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Lesson summary for...
A closer look at a classic ring species: The work of Tom Devitt
Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology |
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| Overview: | The Ensatina salamander has been extensively investigated because it is a ring species — a species that demonstrates how geography and the gradual accumulation of genetic differences factor into the process of speciation. Biologist Tom Devitt continues the more than 50 years of Ensatina research by applying new genetic techniques and asking new questions about this classic evolutionary example. |
| Concepts: | This lesson covers the following concepts:- Speciation is the splitting of one ancestral lineage into two or more descendant lineages.
- Speciation requires reproductive isolation.
- Scientists pose, test, and revise multiple hypotheses to explain what they observe.
- Science does not prove or conclude; science is always a work in progress.
- Science corrects itself.
- The story of the evolution of living things is always being refined as we gather more evidence.
- Our understanding of life through time is based upon multiple lines of evidence.
- Scientists use the similarity of DNA nucleotide sequences to infer the relatedness of taxa.
- Scientists use anatomical evidence to infer the relatedness of taxa.
- Scientists use the geographic distribution of fossils and living things to learn about the history of life.
- Scientists use experimental evidence to study evolutionary processes.
- Speciation is often the result of geographic isolation.
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| Grade Level: | 9-12 |
| Time: | 40 minutes |
| Teacher Background: | Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson: |
| Teaching Tips: | This profile includes a set of discussion questions for use in class or as an individual assignment. |
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