ZERO-IN

Italicized font represents information to be shared orally or physically completed with the students at this time.

The non-italicized font represents additional information included to support the teacher’s understanding of the content being introduced within the CELL.

ANALYZE IT

• There are no Analysis Questions for Investigation 1.

GET FOCUSED

Instruct students to complete the Focus Question in their SDRs then discuss it as a class. Use the suggested response below to guide students’ answers.

• Why do individuals of a species have different traits? Genes are responsible for all the traits that allow an organism to be adapted to its environment. The genotype of an individual determines the phenotype of the individual. Genetic variation ensures that there are many possible genotypes and phenotypes that an organism can possess. This genetic variation is a result of mutations, recombination of genes, and the random mating of individuals. When an environment changes, an individual with a specific phenotype may be better suited to adapt to the new environment. This is important because this species will then be more likely to survive and pass their genes to the next generation.

• What is the relationship between the survival of the individuals of a species and genetic variations? Genetic variation is the reason why there are many unique individuals of a species in a population. In the cactus population, there were cacti with a few spines and some with many spines. All of these individuals would survive if the Sun is not too intense. Likewise, in the penguin population, there coexist numerous penguins with different densities of bones. Genetic variation allows a population of species to survive different environmental pressures.