SC.912.L.14.10

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Discuss the relationship between the evolution of land plants and their anatomy.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 912
Body of Knowledge: Life Science
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Standard: Organization and Development of Living Organisms -

A. Cells have characteristic structures and functions that make them distinctive.

B. Processes in a cell can be classified broadly as growth, maintenance, reproduction, and homeostasis.

C. Life can be organized in a functional and structural hierarchy ranging from cells to the biosphere.

D. Most multicellular organisms are composed of organ systems whose structures reflect their particular function.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
2000370: Botany (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plan

The Case of the Stolen Painting: A Forensic Mystery:

This video was conceived around the idea that students, particularly those not in AP-level classes, have a practical application for knowing about the major divisions between plants, particularly about the details of plant anatomy and reproduction.

My objectives for this lesson are as follows:

  • Students will be able to identify the major evolutionary innovations that separate plant divisions, and classify plants as belonging to one of those divisions based on phenotypic differences in plants.
  • Students will be able to classify plants by their pollen dispersal methods using pollen dispersal mapping, and justify the location of a "crime scene" using map analysis.
Extension:
  • Students will be able to analyze and present their analysis of banding patterns from DNA fingerprinting done using plants in a forensic context.
For the lesson, students will need to be familiar with the idea that living things are related, that these relationships are part of organisms' evolutionary history; that there are types of plants; and that DNA can be used to establish similarities and differences between individuals and species. It will also be helpful for them to know that increased genetic diversity will increase a species' likelihood of survival. The lesson will take approximately 135 minutes (one 90 period, one 45 minute period), with some material assigned as homework. Materials needed: Paper, writing utensils, color printing is ideal.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorial

Plants Evolve:

Learn about how plants evolved in this interactive online tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Perspectives Video: Expert

Carnivorous Plant Anatomy and Morphology:

Dr. Tom Miller discusses the anatomy and morphology of carnivorous plants.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Easing into Evolution with Minimal Controversy!:

This teacher has an approach to teaching evolution that may help to keep skeptical students engaged: start by teaching about plants, and then make small changes to the discussion over time.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Text Resource

How Plants Evolved to Cope with Cold:

This informational text is intended to support reading in the content area. The article reports on research into the evolution of plants in cold climates.

Type: Text Resource

Video/Audio/Animation

Desert Biome:

This video segment from NOVA: "A Desert Place" details the behaviors and habitats of some of the Sonoran Desert's creatures, focusing on the adaptations they use to survive in one of the most extreme environments in the world.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades 9-12

Plants Evolve:

Learn about how plants evolved in this interactive online tutorial.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorial

Plants Evolve:

Learn about how plants evolved in this interactive online tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Video/Audio/Animation

Desert Biome:

This video segment from NOVA: "A Desert Place" details the behaviors and habitats of some of the Sonoran Desert's creatures, focusing on the adaptations they use to survive in one of the most extreme environments in the world.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.