Goals: width="328" height="417"

- To apply the process of scientific inquiry,
- To recognize the validity of evolution as science, and
- To demonstrate understanding of the explanatory power of evolutionary theory.

Objectives: Students will

1. Determine the types of data needed to evaluate scientific claims,
2. Examine data to evaluate scientific claims,
3. Identify variables that contribute to species diversity,
4. Generate and evaluate hypotheses about variables that could explain geographical variation in species diversity,
5. Explain how evolutionary theory contributes to our understanding of patterns of species diversity.Ge

You hear about evolution frequently in the media today.  Recent court cases about teaching of evolution and intelligent design keep the topic in the spotlight.  Through your coursework and discussions, you are beginning to understand the nature of science and how scientific evidence forms the basis for the theory of evolution.  Most students, when asked about evidence for evolution, are aware of fossils and genetic studies on mutations.  There are many other lines of evidence for evolution, ranging from the level of molecules to the distribution of species across the planet. Much of our knowledge about evolution has been obtained using the same basic process of scientific inquiry which you are using in your own research projects.

Today you will build on the ideas and knowledge which you are assimilating as you proceed through the course. You learned how to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific ideas and publications and practiced critically evaluating scientific claims. You discussed ideas about the types of scientific evidence which scientists must have examined when making claims such as 'The earth is 4.5 billion years old.' You read about evolution and the types of evidence upon which it is based. Importantly, you practiced making observations of animal behavior and posing scientific questions based on those observations, stated and tested a hypothesis designed to investigate your research question, analyzed your results, and drew conclusions that were substantiated by the evidence which you collected in your study. You will apply your knowledge and skills here, using real data to learn more about evolution and how bioloigsts use the process of scientific inquiry to evaluate evidence and test hypotheses that are related to evolution.

The module that you will study is designed to help reinforce your understanding of the following key concepts (from Understanding Evolution conceptual framework):

• I. History of Life
  • A. Biological evolution accounts for diversity over long periods of time.
• II. Nature of Science
  • A. Science focuses on natural phenomena and processes.
  • B. Scientific knowledge is open to question and revision as we come up with new ideas and discover new evidence.
  • C. A hallmark of science is exposing ideas to testing.
  • D. Scientists may explore many different hypotheses to explain their observations.

With a partner, complete the module 'Visualizing Life on Earth: Data Interpretation in Evolution'. Answer and discuss the questions presented in each section of the module. Once you finish the module, test your understanding by applying the ideas and information learned to each of the concepts stated above, using specific examples where appropriate.