Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Lizards in the Cold

Provided by: BioInteractive |Published on: October 15, 2021

Lesson Plans Grades 9-12, ap-college

Synopsis

In this activity, students learn about natural selection in populations by analyzing and interpreting two graphs showing how anole lizards adapt to extremely cold temperatures.
The graphs are from a study in which scientists investigated how winter storms in Texas affected local populations of anoles.

Subjects: Biology, Mathematics

Authors: BioInteractive

Region: North America, USA - South, United States, Texas

Languages: English

Positives

The educator materials document contains labeled illustrations, background information, interpretation of the illustrations, and discussion questions.
Students learn how to analyze data from a scientific illustration and understand how natural selection is impacted by climate change.

Additional Prerequisites

Differentiation

For students needing additional guidance, the teacher could lead the discussion and help students develop observations and interpretations.
Advanced students may be asked to write a paragraph on the relationship between extreme climate events, natural selection, and animal adaptation based on this resource.
The teacher could ask students to complete a project in which they study another species affected by extreme climate events.
Other resources related to the topic include the video Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience and the article 5 Plants and Animals Utterly Confused by Climate change.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format