Evolution
Processes by which organisms are changed over time
Evolution is the process by which organisms change over time. Mutations produce genetic variation in populations, and the environment interacts with this variation to select those individuals best adapted to their surroundings. The best-adapted individuals leave behind more offspring than less well-adapted individuals. Given enough time, one species may evolve into many others.

Materials for Evolution
Animation
Who's Who In Human Evolution
Description: An interactive animation that traces the evolution of mankind
- Source: PBS
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/whos-who-human-evolution.html
Articles/Research
Are Humans Still Evolving?
Description: For much of nature, natural selection and ‘survival of the fittest’ still play a dominant role; only the strongest can survive in the wild. As little as a few hundred years ago, the same was true for humans, but what about now?
- Source: Genome Research Limited and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.yourgenome.org/stories/are-humans-still-evolving
Evolution
Description: Introduction to evolution with links for finding further detailed information
- Source: Nature Education
- |
- URL: http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/evolution-13228138
Evolution 101 - Understanding Evolution
Description: A seven part series exploring key concepts of evolution
- Source: The University of California Museum of Paleontology, and the Regents of University of California
- |
- URL: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_01
Evolution Education - Understanding and Teaching the Science of Evolution
Description: Information on evolution and related topics
- Source: National Center for Science Education
- |
- URL: http://ncse.com/evolution
Evolution in your life
Description: Recorded interviews with various experts describing how evolution can be seen in the world around us
- Source: PBS
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/evolution-your-life.html
Evolution of Modern Humans
Description: The origin of modern humans has probably been the most debated issue in evolutionary biology over the last few decades.
- Source: Genome Research Limited and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.yourgenome.org/stories/evolution-of-modern-humans
Evolution of the Human Brain
Description: The human brain, in all its staggering complexity, is the product of millions of years of evolution.
- Source: Genome Research Limited and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.yourgenome.org/stories/evolution-of-the-human-brain
How Did We Get Here?
Description: A history on evolution and discovery
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/how-did-we-get-here
The Common Genetic Code
Description: Information and a video on evolution and gene conservation
- Source: WGBH Educational Foundation and Clear Blue Sky Productions, Inc.
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/04/4/l_044_02.html
The Natural World - Understanding Evolution and Protecting Our Biological Ecosystems
Description: Darwin could never have imagined the full complexity of the tree of life, but genomic technologies have been used to illuminate the natural world in amazing ways. We are all connected to every living thing on earth, from plants to animals to microbes, through our genomes. Find an engaging article, video, and links to explore this topic further.
- Source: National Human Genome Research Institute
- |
- URL: https://www.genome.gov/27570941/april-23-the-natural-world/
The New Genetics - Life's Genetic Tree
Description: Information from a science education booklet that covers evolutionary biology, SNPs, model organisms, circadian rhythms, bioinformatics, and gene sequencing
- Source: National Institute of General Medical Sciences
- |
- URL: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/thenewgenetics/chapter3.html
What Is Evolution?
Description: In biology, evolution is the change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection.
- Source: Genome Research Limited and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-evolution
Games
Darwin for a Day
Description: An activity exploring and cataloging your discoveries on the Galapagos Islands using a web application and Google Street View
- Source: Charles Darwin Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.darwinforaday.org/
Do You Want To Be an Evolutionary Biologist
Description: An interactive trivia game testing your knowledge of evolutionary biology
- Source: National Institute of General Medical Sciences
- |
- URL: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/findings/feb09/games/evolution.html
Evolution in Action
Description: A game on natural selection and evolution
- Source: WGBH Educational Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/evolution-action.html
Interactive Tutorials
Click and Learn App
Description: Interactively explore topics in biology with the Click and Learn app. Each module features supporting videos and animations (Internet connection required). Learn about topics in evolution, neurobiology, infectious diseases, bioinformatics, stem cells, RNA, obesity, cancer, and genomics.
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click-and-learn-app
Evidence - How Do We Know What We Know? A Case Study in Human Origins
Description: This case study explores how scientific evidence is being used to shape our current understanding of ourselves, such as What makes us human and how did we get this way?
- Source: Exploratorium
- |
- URL: http://www.exploratorium.edu/evidence/evidence.html?#/tester/
Evolution of Tungara Frog Mating Calls
Description: An interactive tutorial on the mating calls of Physalaemus frogs, including how the calls have evolved over time and how genetic information has been used to create an evolutionary tree
- Source: Annenberg Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.learner.org/courses/biology/casestudy/frog.html
Explore Your Inner Animals
Description: This interactive explores different anatomical features of the human body and what they reveal about the evolutionary history we share with other organisms.
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/explore-your-inner-animals
Introduction to Evolution
Description: Video and practice problems teaching core concepts of evolution, including mechanisms for evolutions and classifications and taxonomy
- Source: cK-12 Foundation
- |
- URL: http://braingenie.ck12.org/subjects/45
Life Science
Description: Videos and practice problems teaching core concepts of life science, including the structure and function of cells, cellular reproduction, heredity, evolution and biodiversity
- Source: cK-12 Foundation
- |
- URL: http://braingenie.ck12.org/subjects/33
Pollenpeepers
Description: This web simulation allows students to explore adaptive radiation of a fictitious group of birds called Pollenpeepers over a period of 5 million years.
- Source: WGBH Educational Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/darwin/origin/
Quirkies Evolution App
Description: This game teaches how evolution works: quirkies evolve through natural selection, reproduction, recombination and mutation of genes.
- Source: Indiana University
- |
- URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quirkies-evolution/id976739433?mt=8
The Timeline of Ancient DNA
Description: How old is the oldest DNA ever sequenced? Find out in the Timeline of Ancient DNA. Zip through 32 fact-filled entries highlighting the exciting world of ancient DNA research. In the early 1980s, scientists began isolating ancient DNA from sources such as museum specimens, archaeological finds, fossil remains, fossilized feces, permafrost ice cores and other unusual sources of DNA. Not surprisingly, DNA from these specimens is of low quality, posing special technological challenges for ancient DNA analyses. Researchers in many fields are actively retrieving genetic information from ancient specimens, making ancient DNA research a fertile area of collaboration between research institutions and museums. Works on desktop computers, tablets and smartphones.
- Source: National Human Genome Research Institute and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- |
- URL: https://unlockinglifescode.org/ancient-dna-timeline
Variation, Selection, and Time
Description: A rich source of engaging videos, interactive tutorials, and articles on natural selection and genetic variation.
- Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
- |
- URL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/selection/
Labs & Experiments
Do You See What I See?
Description: A series of lesson plans and laboratory exercises exploring vision, color perception, color-blindness, diversity of vision across species, and how this diversity affects survival and reproduction. You may need to register to view the lesson plans, but the plans and registration is free.
- Source: Project NEURON, University of Illinois
- |
- URL: https://neuron.illinois.edu/units/do-you-see-what-i-see
Exploring Mutant Organisms
Description: An evolution and genetic diversity virtual laboratory experiment
- Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- |
- URL: http://labcenter.dnalc.org/labs/mutantorganisms/mutantorganisms_d.html
NOVA Evolution Lab
Description: Here find virtual laboratory experiments for teens and adults on a variety of topics, including phylogenetics, the study of the evolutionary relationships among species. The labs engage students in solving a series of evolutionary puzzles.
- Source: WGBH Educational Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/evolution/
Stickleback Evolution Virtual Lab
Description: A virtual lab teaching skills of data collection and analysis to study evolutionary processes
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/stickleback-evolution-virtual-lab
Teacher Resources
Applied Evolution: How Will We Get There from Here? (PDF 28.17 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Students perform a simulated natural selection activity with candy, prepare a mock HIV court case, imagine Earth in the future, track a Hantavirus outbreak, conduct “Marty the Mutating Marcescens” experiment, and brainstorm a potential detergent enzyme.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/genomics/lessons/bulllessons.pdf
cK-12 Foundation - Teachers
Description: Ck-12 Foundation offers life-science simulations to immerse students in an interactive learning experience, practice problems, free full-text FlexBook Textbooks, tools for leading group discussions and more.
- Source: cK-12 Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.ck12.org/life-science/
Classroom Activities: Gene Switches (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Teaching materials on evolution and genetic variation with a classroom activity to model a gene switch
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/classroom-activities-gene-switches
Comparing Species through the Fossil Record (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: In this lesson, students begin to understand how physical features noted in the fossil record provide clues about the evolution of species.
- Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science
- |
- URL: http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/comparing-species-through-the-fossil-record/
DNA to Darwin (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Allows students aged 16-19 to explore the molecular evidence for evolution through practical bioinformatics activities that use data analysis tools and molecular data.
- Source: NCBE, University of Reading
- |
- URL: http://www.dnadarwin.org/
Do You See What I See? (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: A series of lesson plans and laboratory exercises exploring vision, color perception, color-blindness, diversity of vision across species, and how this diversity affects survival and reproduction. You may need to register to view the lesson plans, but the plans and registration is free.
- Source: Project NEURON, University of Illinois
- |
- URL: https://neuron.illinois.edu/units/do-you-see-what-i-see
Evolution - Variation + Selection and Time (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Lesson plans and quizzes on geologic time, misconceptions about natural selection and evolution, and sexual and asexual reproduction.
- Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
- |
- URL: http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/evolution/
Evolution and Medicine (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Lesson plans on how evolution informs human health, biomedical problems, and disease treatment
- Source: National Institutes of Health
- |
- URL: https://science.education.nih.gov/HighSchool/EvolutionAndMedicine
Evolution in a Ring (PDF 28.17 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson engages students in critical thinking about ring species and how the process of speciation occurs.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/irwinlessons.pdf
Evolution: Are There Really Missing Links? (PDF 13.91 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson focuses on applying evidence for evolutionary transitions to the general theory of evolution. Students can investigate how Darwin’s finches would adapt to simulated island environments, create an exhibit of “missing links” art, market a virtual natural history museum and more.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/benton2lessons.pdf
Evolution: Is It Fact and/or Theory? (PDF 26.75 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson examines patterns of change in nature, mechanisms of evolution, and factual evidence for evolution.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/lenskilessons.pdf
Exploring Learned and Innate Behavior (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson explores the differences and similarities between innate and learned behavior and skills among humans and monkeys.
- Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science
- |
- URL: http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/exploring-learned-and-innate-behavior/
Extinction: Is It Inevitable? (PDF 28.17 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson explores the cycle of extinction and biotic recovery, with special emphasis on the causes of extinction.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/eldredge2lessons.pdf
How Do New Species Form? (PDF 28.17 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson explores speciation, stasis, and change with activities that focus on comparing gradualism to punctuated equilibrium.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/eldredgelessons.pdf
Identifying Angiosperms (PDF 28.17 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: The lessons use photography and guided discussion to engage students in learning about classification, co-evolution, and the mystery of disappearing bees crucial to the pollination of flowers.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/genomics/lessons/Soltislessons.pdf
Mapping Change Over Time (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Collect information about the organisms alive at different times since the Earth formed. Discuss reasons for extinctions. Discuss advantages of change
- Source: Nuffield Foundation
- |
- URL: http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/print/3210
mtDNA: So What Did You Inherit from Your Mom? (PDF 26.75 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson examines the structure and function of mitochondria and its role in evolution
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/ingmanlessons.pdf
Poster: Fossil Evidence and Evolution
Description: A printable poster for your classroom. Students are challenged to place seven types of fossils into the proper geological era.
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/poster-fossil-evidence-and-evolution
Roots: The Ancestry of Modern People (PDF 13.91 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson examines the two main models of the origin of modern humans. Students can map the movements of early humans, consider what it takes to be a paleoanthropologist, write a news flash about Lucy’s discovery, chart a book plot about the adventures of an early hominid, and create a sketchbook of hominid fossils.
- Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences
- |
- URL: http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/lessons/johansonlessons.pdf
Teaching Materials: Understanding Evolution
Description: Resources for teaching evolutionary patterns, processes, and theory
- Source: The University of California Museum of Paleontology, and the Regents of University of California
- |
- URL: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/teach/index.php
The History of Evolutionary Theory (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: This lesson provides high-school students with an introduction to a more detailed study of evolution by focusing on the historical origins of Darwin theory and the ideas that came before it.
- Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science
- |
- URL: http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/the-history-of-evolutionary-theory/
The Teacher-Friendly Guide™ to Evolution Using Bivalves as a Model Organism
Description: A guide providing teachers with background information to support existing curricula and aid in teaching the concept of evolution.
- Source: Paleontological Research Institution
- |
- URL: http://bivalves.teacherfriendlyguide.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=101
Visualizing Gene-Expression Patterns
Description: A slide show with video clips illustrating how scientists detect when a gene is being expressed in tissues
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/click/Visualizing_Gene_Expression/01.html
What Makes Honey Bees Work Together? (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: A series of lesson plans exploring how genes and environment affect behavior, as well as introduces students to research tools used to investigate gene expression. You may need to register to view the lesson plans, but the plans and registration is free.
- Source: Project NEURON, University of Illinois
- |
- URL: https://neuron.illinois.edu/units/what-makes-honey-bees-work-together
Video
Genetic Switches
Description: A video explaining how genetic switches enable old genes to be used in new ways
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/genetic-switches
The Making of the Fittest: Evolving Switches, Evolving Bodies
Description: A short film on how stickleback fish have adapted to new environments
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- |
- URL: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/making-fittest-evolving-switches-evolving-bodies
The Natural World - Understanding Evolution and Protecting Our Biological Ecosystems
Description: Darwin could never have imagined the full complexity of the tree of life, but genomic technologies have been used to illuminate the natural world in amazing ways. We are all connected to every living thing on earth, from plants to animals to microbes, through our genomes. Find an engaging article, video, and links to explore this topic further.
- Source: National Human Genome Research Institute
- |
- URL: https://www.genome.gov/27570941/april-23-the-natural-world/
The RNA Origin of Life
Description: Go on a tour of RNA's evolving role through billions of years of evolutionary history.
- Source: PBS
- |
- URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/rna-origin-life.html