Lizards in the Cold

• 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.

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

• The resource includes an educator guide and student handout in PDF format.
• The image of Texas and the two graphs are available to download as JPGs.

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.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.