Dog Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How has the interplay of natural selection, inherited traits, and human influence shaped the diverse world of modern dogs, and what does this tell us about the broader story of evolution?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the theory of natural selection explain the diversity of dog breeds we see today?
- What evidence supports the idea that dogs have evolved from a common ancestor?
- How have human actions, like breeding, influenced the traits and characteristics of modern dogs?
- In what ways can we observe changes in dog populations over time, and what factors contribute to these changes?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the theory of natural selection and its role in the evolution of dog breeds.
- Identify and analyze evidence supporting the evolution of dogs from a common ancestor.
- Explain how artificial selection (breeding) has influenced the traits and characteristics of modern dogs.
- Observe and analyze changes in dog populations over time, identifying factors that contribute to these changes.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsExtinct Canine Time Capsule
An unearthed 'time capsule' from the future contains information about an extinct dog breed. Students must analyze the artifacts (photos, descriptions, genetic data) to reconstruct the dog's life, its environment, and the factors that led to its extinction, linking artificial selection and environmental changes to evolutionary outcomes.The Canine Conspiracy Theory
A viral video claims that modern dogs are not descended from wolves, presenting 'evidence' of a separate origin. Students critically evaluate the claims, research the scientific evidence for canine evolution, and create a rebuttal video, strengthening their understanding of evolutionary evidence and the scientific method.Mystery Canine Skull
A mysterious skull, labeled only as 'Canis X,' appears in the classroom. Students must use their initial understanding of dog breeds and evolutionary principles to hypothesize about its origin and place in canine evolution, sparking inquiry into the selective breeding and natural adaptations of dogs.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Ancestral Canine Profile: Tracing the Origins
Students will research the evolutionary history of dogs, focusing on their origins from wolves. They will explore the concept of common ancestry and the early divergence of dog lineages.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed timeline and report outlining the evolutionary history of dogs from wolves, supported by scientific evidence.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Identify and analyze evidence supporting the evolution of dogs from a common ancestor. It also touches upon understanding the theory of natural selection.Dog Breed Evolution Over Time: A Population Study
Students analyze how specific dog breed populations have changed over time due to factors like changing human needs, popularity, and genetic bottlenecks.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation illustrating how a specific dog breed population has changed over time and the factors that have contributed to these changes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Observe and analyze changes in dog populations over time, identifying factors that contribute to these changes.The Breeder's Blueprint: Artificial Selection and Dog Breeds
Students explore the concept of artificial selection by examining how humans have intentionally bred dogs for specific traits, leading to the vast diversity of modern breeds.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual comparison chart and a written explanation of how artificial selection has shaped the traits of three different dog breeds.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly addresses the learning goal: Explain how artificial selection (breeding) has influenced the traits and characteristics of modern dogs.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEvolution of the Modern Dog Portfolio Rubric
Understanding of Evolutionary Concepts
Demonstrates understanding of natural selection, artificial selection, and evidence of evolution.Natural Selection
Explains how natural selection has shaped dog breeds.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of natural selection and its application to the evolution of dog breeds, providing specific and accurate examples. Explains complex interactions and nuances within the selection process.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of natural selection and its role in shaping dog breeds, providing relevant examples and clear explanations.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of natural selection but struggles to fully explain its impact on dog breeds or provides limited examples.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a limited understanding of natural selection and its relevance to the evolution of dog breeds. Struggles to provide examples or explanations.
Artificial Selection
Explains how artificial selection (breeding) has influenced dog traits.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an in-depth explanation of artificial selection and its profound impact on dog breeds, including historical context and detailed examples of specific traits. Discusses the ethical implications and potential consequences of selective breeding.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly explains artificial selection and its influence on the traits of modern dog breeds, providing relevant examples and historical context.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of artificial selection but struggles to fully explain its impact on dog traits or provide detailed examples.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of artificial selection and its connection to dog breeding. Struggles to provide examples or explanations.
Evidence of Evolution
Presents and analyzes evidence supporting the evolution of dogs.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a comprehensive and insightful analysis of multiple lines of evidence (e.g., fossil records, genetics, comparative anatomy) supporting canine evolution. Critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of each type of evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clear and accurate evidence supporting the evolution of dogs, including fossil records, genetic data, and comparative anatomy.
Developing
2 PointsPresents some evidence supporting the evolution of dogs but struggles to fully explain its significance or provide accurate details.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents limited or inaccurate evidence regarding the evolution of dogs. Struggles to connect evidence to evolutionary concepts.
Application and Analysis
Applies evolutionary concepts to analyze specific dog breeds and population changes.Breed Analysis
Analyzes the traits and history of specific dog breeds in the context of evolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the traits and history of dog breeds, connecting them to specific evolutionary pressures and breeding practices. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the interplay between genetics, environment, and human influence.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes the traits and history of specific dog breeds, explaining how they relate to evolutionary principles and breeding practices.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging ability to analyze dog breeds in the context of evolution but struggles to make clear connections between traits, history, and evolutionary principles.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited ability to analyze dog breeds or connect their traits and history to evolutionary concepts.
Population Trends
Analyzes changes in dog populations over time.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts a rigorous and detailed analysis of changes in dog populations, identifying multiple contributing factors (e.g., environmental changes, human preferences, genetic drift) and evaluating their relative impact. Considers the long-term implications of these trends.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes changes in dog populations over time, identifying key factors that have influenced these changes, such as human preferences and environmental factors.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging ability to analyze changes in dog populations but struggles to identify or explain the contributing factors.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited ability to analyze changes in dog populations or identify factors that influence these changes.
Presentation and Communication
Effectively presents findings in a clear, organized, and visually appealing manner.Clarity and Organization
Presents information in a clear, logical, and organized manner.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents information with exceptional clarity, logical flow, and organization. The presentation is highly engaging and easy to follow, enhancing the audience's understanding of complex concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information in a clear, logical, and organized manner, making it easy for the audience to understand the key concepts.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with some clarity and organization but may have areas where the flow is difficult to follow.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents information in a disorganized and unclear manner, making it difficult to understand the key concepts.
Visual Appeal
Uses visuals effectively to enhance understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses visuals with exceptional creativity and effectiveness to enhance understanding and engagement. Visuals are thoughtfully selected, impeccably designed, and seamlessly integrated into the presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsUses visuals effectively to enhance understanding and illustrate key concepts. Visuals are relevant, clear, and well-presented.
Developing
2 PointsUses some visuals but they may not always be relevant or effectively enhance understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsUses few or no visuals, or the visuals used are irrelevant and detract from the presentation.
Evidence Support
Effectively uses data and examples to support conclusions.
Exemplary
4 PointsSupports conclusions with compelling evidence, accurate data, and insightful examples. Demonstrates a mastery of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsSupports conclusions with relevant evidence, data, and examples, demonstrating a solid understanding of the topic.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some evidence and examples but may not fully support conclusions or may contain inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides little or no evidence to support conclusions, or the evidence is irrelevant or inaccurate.