Sunday, January 5, 2014

Evidence for Evolution

Use the following links to answer these questions in your notes
Evidence for Evolution
Berkeley: Lines of Evidence
15 examples of evidence for evolution
Genetic Differences between humans and Primates
Evidence for Evolution "for dummies"

1) Describe the concept behind the Theory of Evolution

2) Choose 4 general types of evidence that support the theory of evolution from this list:

[genetic evidence, similarities among organisms alive today, geographical distribution of species, similarities among embryos, cell comparison, biochemical process comparison, modern examples observable in a lab]

Make a Quad T-Chart as follows and fill it in, following the example given. (do not use fossil record in YOUR CHART)

Type of Evidence
Explanation
Example
How does this type of evidence support the theory of evolution?
1) Fossil Record
Fossilized remains of extinct species of various ages ago, found buried by modern scientists
Archaeopteryx was found in southern Germany.  It had jaws with teeth and a long bony tail like dinosaurs, broad wings and feathers like birds, and skeletal features of both.  This discovery verified the assumption that birds had reptilian ancestors.”
The extensive remains we see in the fossil record of animals and plants show how living things have changed  over time.  Often times, specific fossils illustrate the evolutionary past of current-day species.
2)


3) 


4)





3) Which pieces of evidence do you find most powerful and convincing? Why?


Thursday, January 2, 2014

Genetic Engineering

Resources:
Genetic Engineering powerpoint
Genetic Engineering basics Website
Image About Insulin Engineering
Union of Concerned Scientists: discussion of ethics of Genetic engineering
Cloning Process simplified
Cloning Entire Organisms
cloning genes
Ethics in genetic engineering
Stem Cell Basics

1) Key Vocab: Create a Vocabulary Flashcard for each. State the definition and then draw a picture that goes with it.  You do not have to complete this first, you may work on it as we go.
1) Genetic Engineering
2) Restriction Enzymes
3) Cloning
4) Genetically Modified Organism
5) Hybrid Interbreeding
6) Stem cells

2. Describe 2  methods scientists use to take a gene from one organism and insert it into the cells of another organism.

3. Describe an example of how genetic technology has:
a) helped society deal with food issues
b) Helped lead to solutions for diseases

4. Draw a diagram showing how scientists clone sexually reproducing organisms.

5. Why are stem cells considered important to the future of medicine?

6. Choose one type of genetic technology (genetic modification, cloning, stem cells). 
Write an argumentative paragraph explaining whether you think your specific genetic technology  is ethical or unethical.  State your claim, why you think so and then give at least 1 piece of evidence (a quote or a scientific fact) to back up your argument. Explain why the evidence you provided backs up your claim.