Collections

Profile picture of Ellen Wisner

Ellen Wisner created this post

As the Worm Turns - Case Study

At what point in evolutionary development does a group of individuals become two distinct species? This case addresses that fundamental question by asking students to decide whether apple maggot flies are distinct as a species from hawthorn maggot flies. In making their decision, students examine the different models of speciation and consider the primary forces that effect evolutionary change. Developed for an advanced undergraduate course in evolutionary biology, it would be appropriate for any biology course in which students are taught about the models of speciation. It could also be used in a general ecology course in which students consider the distribution and use of resources leading to niche specialization or in a genetics course if restrictions in gene flow are taught in the context of speciation.

0 comments 0 reposts

Profile picture of Ellen Wisner

Ellen Wisner onto Tree of Life: Speciation

Tree of Life: Speciation

This is a place to contribute resources, tools, and assessments that address the following learning outcomes under the broad theme of speciation.

Students are able to:

1. Illustrate how divergence in phenotype may lead to reproductive isolation

2. Recognize that species are dynamic entities, and compare the theoretical and practical uses of multiple species concepts

3. Interpret visual representations of speciation events

This is part of the Tree of Life working group.  Click here to read about our general goals and framework.

 

6 posts

Profile picture of Arietta Fleming-Davies

Arietta Fleming-Davies