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.
Grade 8 Science Test Questions
Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-LS4-2 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.
Performance Level Descriptions
Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-LS4-2 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS4-2.
This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.
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.