Evidence for Evolution

1. Year 11

1.1. Unit 1

1.1.1. Science Inquiry Skills

1.1.1.1. represent data in meaningful and useful ways; organise and analyse data to identify trends, patterns and relationships; qualitatively describe sources of measurement error and limitations in data; and select, synthesise and use evidence to make and justify conclusions

1.1.1.2. interpret a range of scientific and media texts, and evaluate processes, claims and conclusions by considering the quality of available evidence; and use reasoning to construct scientific arguments

1.2. Unit 2

1.2.1. Science as a Human Endeavour

1.2.1.1. discoveries made through the use of modern biotechnological techniques have increased understanding of DNA and gene expression

1.2.2. Sciennce Understanding

1.2.2.1. DNA stores the information for the production of proteins that determines the structure and function of cells

2. Unit 4

2.1. Science as a Human Endeavour:

2.1.1. Developments in biotechnology, for example polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, have increased access to genetic information of species and provide evidence for evolution (the process of obtaining a DNA sequence is not required).

2.1.2. developments in the fields of comparative biochemistry (including DNA and protein sequences) and bioinformatics have enabled identification of further evidence for evolutionary relationships, which help refine existing models and theories

2.2. Science Understanding:

2.2.1. evolutionary relationships between groups can be represented using phylogenetic trees (construction of phylogenetic trees not required)

2.2.2. the fossil record is incomplete and cannot represent the entire biodiversity of a time or a location due to many factors that affect fossil formation, the persistence of fossils and accessibility to fossilised remains

2.2.3. sequencing a fossil record requires a combination of relative and absolute dating techniques to locate fossils onto the geological timeline

2.2.4. both relative dating techniques, including stratigraphy and index fossils, and absolute dating techniques, including radiocarbon dating and potassium-argon dating, have limitations of application

3. Year 6

3.1. Science Inquiry Skills

3.1.1. Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS221)

3.1.1.1. referring to evidence when explaining outcomes

3.2. Science Understanding

3.2.1. The growth and survival of living things are affected by physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)

4. Year 10

4.1. Science Understanding

4.1.1. Transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next involves DNA and genes (ACSSU184)

4.1.2. The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence (ACSSU185)

4.1.2.1. • outlining processes involved in natural selection including variation, isolation and selection

4.1.2.2. • evaluating and interpreting evidence for evolution, including the fossil record, chemical and anatomical similarities, and geographical distribution of species

4.2. Science as a Human Endeavour

4.2.1. Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries (ACSHE192)

4.2.1.1. considering how information technology can be applied to different areas of science such as bioinformatics

4.2.1.2. recognising that the development of fast computers has made possible the analysis of DNA sequencing

5. Year 8

5.1. Science Inquiry Skills

5.1.1. Use scientific knowledge and findings from investigations to evaluate claims based on evidence (ACSIS234)

6. Year 7

6.1. Science Understanding

6.1.1. (elaboration) grouping a variety of organisms on the basis of similarities and differences in particular features - exploring the relatedness of organisms

6.2. Science Inquiry Skills

6.2.1. Use scientific knowledge and findings from investigations to evaluate claims based on evidence (ACSIS234)

7. Year 4

7.1. Science Understanding

7.1.1. Living things depend on each other and the environment to survive (ACSSU073)

7.2. Science as a Human Endeavour

7.2.1. Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE061)

7.2.1.1. exploring ways in which scientists gather evidence for their ideas and develop explanations

8. Year 3

8.1. Science Understanding

8.1.1. (elaboration) recognising characteristics of living things such as growing, moving, sensitivity and reproducing and recognising the range of different living things

8.2. Science as a Human Endeavour

8.2.1. Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE061)

9. Year 1

9.1. Science Understanding

9.1.1. Living things live in different places where their needs are met (ACSSU211)

9.1.1.1. exploring what happens when habitats change and some living things can no longer have their needs met

9.1.2. Living things have a variety of external features (ACSSU017)

10. Year 2

10.1. Science Understanding

10.1.1. Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (ACSSU030)

10.1.1.1. observing that all animals have offspring, usually with two parents

11. Year 5

11.1. Science Inquiry Skills

11.1.1. Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS221)

11.1.1.1. referring to evidence when explaining outcomes

11.2. Science Understanding

11.2.1. Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)

11.2.1.1. Explaining how adaptations help survival

11.2.1.2. Exploring general adaptations for particular environments

12. Year 9

12.1. Science Inquiry Skills

12.1.1. Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent with evidence (ACSIS170)

12.1.2. Analyse patterns and trends in data, including describing relationships between variables and identifying inconsistencies (ACSIS169)