MS-LS4-4 | Genetic Variation and Survival

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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.

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.

Level 4Level 3Level 2Level 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS4-4.

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Assessment

What assessment of MS-LS4-4 might look like on a NY state exam.

• Respiration Q43

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.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Natural Selection and Adaptations