MS-LS4-2 | Comparative Anatomy and Evolution
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.
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.
NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation MS-LS4-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for real-world phenomena, examples, or events.
- 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.
- Patterns
- Patterns can be used to identify cause and effect relationships.
- Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort and classify organisms.