What This Document Is
This document contains questions and prompts designed to accompany the NOVA Evolution Lab, specifically Mission 1 ("Training Trees") within the Foundations of Biology II (BIOL 142) course at Howard Community College. It serves as a guided worksheet to reinforce concepts explored in the interactive lab and associated introductory video, “Evolution 101.” The focus is on understanding phylogenetic trees and the basics of evolutionary relationships.
Why This Document Matters
This study guide is essential for students actively participating in the NOVA Evolution Lab. It’s used *during* the lab activity to check comprehension and prepare for subsequent levels. It exists to help students translate the interactive experience into concrete understanding of key evolutionary principles, such as natural selection, common ancestry, and interpreting phylogenetic trees. It’s particularly valuable for students who benefit from active recall and applying concepts immediately after exposure.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document does *not* provide a comprehensive explanation of evolutionary theory. It assumes prior exposure to basic evolutionary concepts and relies heavily on the NOVA Lab itself for foundational learning. It also doesn’t offer solutions or detailed explanations – it’s designed to prompt thinking and engagement with the lab material. Users will still need to complete the interactive lab and potentially consult course materials for a complete understanding.
What This Document Provides
This document includes:
* Questions related to the “Evolution 101” introductory video, covering natural selection and the tree of life.
* Questions focused on interpreting a sample phylogenetic tree, including identifying nodes, understanding time orientation, and comparing relatedness.
* Prompts to guide exploration of the “Red, green, and gecko” level of the NOVA Evolution Lab.
* Questions about the relationships between fungi, animals, and plants.
* Space to sketch completed and equivalent phylogenetic trees.
This preview *does not* include answers to the questions, the completed phylogenetic trees, or access to the NOVA Evolution Lab itself. It only provides a sample of the questions and prompts found within the full document.