Evolution 101

• Author:
• Subject: Science and Technology
• Institution Name: University of California Museum of Paleontology
• Collection: Understanding Evolution (UC, Paleontology)
• Grade Level: Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

• Abstract: This in-depth, multi-part course takes you through evolutionary theory and mechanisms, from definitions to details, natural selection to genetic drift, mutations to punctuated equilibrium.

• Course Type: Full Course
• Languages: English
• Material Types: Readings
• Media Formats: Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

• Conditions of Use: Custom License

  All materials appearing on the UCMP Web Servers (WWW.UCMP.BERKELEY.EDU, EVOLUTION.BERKELEY.EDU) may not be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without prior written permission of the publisher and in no case for profit.

• Copyright Holder: Copyright 2008 by The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and the Regents of the University of California.

Reviews

- How did you use this material?
I read through the material to assess my knowledge of evolution.

- Did you augment the material?
No

- In which courses or programs did you use the material?
I have not yet used the material, but it may come in handy in future years.

- Clarity
Yes, the writing was very clear and understandable.

- Consistency
Yes, the material is well-presented. The level is appropriate for educators, and there are links to explanations of basic terms.

- Content Errors
No

- Interface
The only problem was navigating back to the main page was not easy. It would have been nice to have a link on each page that would connect back to the main page.

- Suggested Changes
The link back to the main page, as detailed in "Interface."

- Exemplary Features
--Easy to read
--Comprehensive
--To the point

- How would you recommend using this material?
The material is a great brush-up for teachers who might have forgotten the major points on evolution. Students could use the material as a resource in addition to their textbook.

- What knowledge and skills do you need?
All you need are basic computer skills to use the material. Some of the vocabulary may be a challenge for young, or students who are just learning about evolution.

- Is the material appropriate?
I would say this material is appropriate for professionals, and older students in high school. There are many graphics that would help visual learners.

- Did using the material lead to successful or identifiable outcomes?
The principles of genetics within evolution are often hard to grasp, but this material was clear and used appropriate examples.

- Christie Martin

- How did you use this material?
Lesson ideas & resources, basic self-education

- In which courses or programs did you use the material?
high school biology; teacher professional development; research (references to primary literature)

- Clarity
yes, it is excellent

- Consistency
yes

- Content Errors
no

- Interface
no

- Exemplary Features
lesson/activity ideas
graphics
well organized (to "spiral" into the subject from simple to advanced concepts)

- How would you recommend using this material?
high school biology;
teacher professional development;
first stop for basic research (gives references to primary literature)

- Is the material appropriate?
high school; early college; teachers who need to brush up or get updated on evolutionary science

- Did using the material lead to successful or identifiable outcomes?
The lessons, activities, and graphics of this resource do a good job of helping the learner to understand phylogeny and deep time -- two notoriously tricky but critical aspects of learning evo-bio.

- Ms. Guess