Author

Patricia Beattie, Susan Creaser and Dana Holmes

Title

Constructing a 'Phylogenetic Tree' for selected Chordates

Grade Level

11

Subject Area

Biology

Overview of unit/lessons/activities (assumptions of prior knowledge/learning)

Working in groups students will be given the name of a different animal in Phylum Chordata and some of its distinguishing characteristics.  From these, the class will develop a comparative table of all the animals, and then use this information in the table to construct a phylogenetic tree using inspiration 8.0 if available otherwise using paper.

Correlations to ICT and curriculum outcomes

Projected timeline for preparation and for carrying out activities

Equipment Requirements: (computers, software, etc)

Teaching materials provided (Blacklines, worksheets, templates, teacher materials)

Worksheets entitled Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree for Selected Chordates and

Characteristics of Chordates Table

Resources available for teacher/student use (websites, references, etc)

Detailed instructions for each activity or lesson (teacher notes, activity information, learning strategies, teacher role, student roles)

An introduction to the activity will be given by the teacher.  This will include an explanation of what is an phylogenetic tree by referring to the diagrams given on the handout. In particular show where the root is located and how the branches can only break off into two branches for this particular activity.  

Review the activity and then place students into 6 different groups.  Each group will receive the name of one to two organisms as outlined below.  Students will then use their textbooks and any other available resources to find which characteristics apply to their organisms and complete the 'Characteristics of Chordates' chart.

Place a class chart on the overhead, board or from a LCD projected onto the board for the groups to complete. Once the chart is completed students will create their own phylogenetic tree for all nine organisms by using Inspiration 8 and selecting from the Inspiration Starter menu 'Create a mind map'. A few comments on this option: the central idea can not be deleted, just leave it blank; delete three of the initial four branches; to add a branch click on the branch you wish to add to right click and select 'Add subtopic'.  Even with no experience most students should find this program easy to manipulate.

If Inspiration 8.0 is not available have students create their phylogenetic tree on paper.

Once groups have completed their tree it is presented to the class. Other groups can assess the phylogenetic tree to see if it meet the requirements which include: only one obvious root; branches divide into two only; all organisms are included and in the correct order.

Student products expected

Fill in the Characteristics to Chordates Table.  Each group puts an X in the box for the corresponding characteristic for their selected animal.  Once completed each student creates a phylogenetic tree off all 9 chordates.

Samples (include teacher notes, assessment information, student work if available)

The final table should look like this Characteristics of Chordates Solutions Table

The final Phylogenetic tree should look like this exemplar. If you have Inspiration 8.0 you may view the exemplar using this link

Logistics (organization, grouping, management issues, access to technology)

Assessment information (e.g., rubrics for products and/or process)

A checklist that each created phylogenetic tree has the characteristics as listed: only one obvious root; branches divide into two only; all organisms are included and in the correct order. This can be then be marked out of four.  Any other criteria can be added by the teacher.

Possible extensions