Lizards in the Cold

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

Lesson Plans

9101112AP

Scientist Reviewed ↗

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.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology, Mathematics

Authors: BioInteractive

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

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

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.

Scientist Notes

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Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

BioInteractive

BioInteractive brings the power of real science stories into tens of thousands of high school and undergraduate life science classrooms.

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

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Lizards in the Cold

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources