MS-LS4-2

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Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on explanations of the evolutionary relationships among organisms in terms of similarity or differences of the gross appearance of anatomical structures as evidence of common ancestry.

Performance Level Descriptions

PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of four levels.

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Level 1: Identify the explanation, from those provided, that supports the evidence for anatomical similarities and/or differences among modern organisms or between modern and fossil organisms, to infer evolutionary relationships.

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Level 2: Identify the evidence that supports an explanation for anatomical similarities and/or differences among modern organisms or between modern and fossil organisms, to infer evolutionary relationships.

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Level 3: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.

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Level 4: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation, using qualitative and quantitative data, for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS4-2.

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Assessment

What assessment of MS-LS4-2 might look like on a NY state exam.

Exam	Cluster	Question
Spring 2026	Giraffe Adaptations and Population Changes	Question 45
	Giraffe Adaptations and Population Changes	Question 46
Spring 2025	Behavior and Evolution of Guppies	Question 48
Spring 2024	Evolutionary Relationships	Question 25

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-LS4-2 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
  • Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for real-world phenomena, examples, or events.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
  • Anatomical similarities and differences between various organisms living today and between them and organisms in the fossil record, enable the reconstruction of evolutionary history and the inference of lines of evolutionary descent.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
  • Patterns can be used to identify cause and effect relationships.
  • Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort and classify organisms.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Natural Selection and Adaptations