Difference between revisions of "MS-LS4-4"
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| Level2 = Identify the evidence that supports the explanation that a variation in a genetic trait in a given population increases some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing in a specific environment. | | Level2 = Identify the evidence that supports the explanation that a variation in a genetic trait in a given population increases some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing in a specific environment. | ||
| Level1 = Identify an explanation based on evidence that describes how a variation in a genetic trait in a given population may cause an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing. | | Level1 = Identify an explanation based on evidence that describes how a variation in a genetic trait in a given population may cause an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing. | ||
| − | | Example1 = [[Questions:Giraffe Adaptations and Population Changes#q1|Spring 2026 | + | | Example1 = <span class="pld-chip pld-chip-ms">[[Questions:Giraffe Adaptations and Population Changes#q1|Spring 2026 · Q44]]</span> <span class="pld-chip pld-chip-ms">[[Questions:Respiration#q5|Spring 2024 · Q43]]</span> |
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Latest revision as of 09:45, 18 October 2026
Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on using simple probability statements and proportional reasoning to construct explanations.
Grade 8 Science Test Questions
Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-LS4-4 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 Grade 8 Test | Giraffe Adaptations and Population Changes | Question 44 |
| Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test | Respiration | Question 43 |
Vocabulary
Terms from the Middle School Science Glossary that come from this standard or from the released Grade 8 Science Test questions that assess it.
From this standard
- environment
- evidence
- explanation
- frequency
- generation
- genetic variation
- natural selection
- population
- probability
- probability statement
- proportional reasoning
- reproduction
- survival
- trait
- trait frequency
- variation
From released test questions
- ancestor – Spring 2026
- asexual reproduction – Spring 2024
- extinction – Spring 2026
- favorable trait – Spring 2024
- fossil evidence – Spring 2026
- genetic trait – Spring 2024
- leaf – Spring 2026
- mammal – Spring 2026
- savanna – Spring 2026
- selective breeding – Spring 2026
- sexual reproduction – Spring 2024
Performance Level Descriptions
Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-LS4-4 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.
Level 1: Identify an explanation based on evidence that describes how a variation in a genetic trait in a given population may cause an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing. Spring 2026 · Q44 Spring 2024 · Q43
Level 2: Identify the evidence that supports the explanation that a variation in a genetic trait in a given population increases some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing in a specific environment.
Level 3: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population causes an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
Level 4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population causes an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment, and explain why these traits would appear more frequently in future generations.
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS4-4.
This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.
NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation MS-LS4-4 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
Science and Engineering Practices
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Construct an explanation that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables that describe phenomena.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- LS4.B: Natural Selection
- (NYSED) Natural selection can lead to an increase in the frequency of some traits and the decrease in the frequency of others.
Crosscutting Concepts
- Cause and Effect
- Phenomena may have more than one cause, and some cause and effect relationships in systems can only be described using probability.