Virtual Lab
Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab Student Handout
LIZARD EVOLUTION VIRTUAL LAB
Answer the following questions as you finish each module of the virtual lab or as a final assessment
after completing the entire virtual lab.
Module 1: Ecomorphs
1. At the beginning of the virtual lab, you were asked to sort eight lizards into categories. What
criteria did you initially use to make your groups? Did you revise your criteria later? Why?
I used behaviour, colour and size of leg as my criteria because I believe each anole evolved according to its
habitat. I didn't change my criteria.
2. An adaptation is a structure or function that is common in a population because it enhances the
ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Provide one example and an
explanation of one adaptation in the Anolis lizards.
Sheplani Hispaniola
The sheplani Hispaniola anolis lizard has short legs, which help it grip onto the thin branches it lives on. This
adaptation prevents it from falling off easily, allowing the lizard to survive longer in its habitat.,
3. Provide one evolutionary explanation for why lizards living in the same part of the habitat (i.e.,
grass) would have similar characteristics.
Natural selection is one of the main ways living things evolve. It focuses on an organism's physical traits, not its
genes, to decide which traits are passed on to the next generation.Natural selection molds lizards to thrive in
their environment, adapting traits for survival against predators like snakes.
4. What is an ecomorph? Provide one example from the virtual lab.
An ecomorph is a group within a species that's adapted to a certain habitat, showing traits suited to that place.
Like the twig anole, Sheplani Hispaniola and Occultus Puerto Rico lizards with short legs, adapted for twig living.
5. How is an ecomorph different from a species?
An ecomorph groups organisms by body type and habitat, but species include more differences like color or
appearance.
6. Explain how a particular body feature of one of the lizard ecomorphs from the virtual lab is an
adaptation to their particular niche.
In the virtual lab, they looked at a type of lizard called the trunk-crown anole. These lizards have big toepads,
helping them live in the treetops.
February 2015
Page 1 of
www.BioInteractive.org
6
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, Virtual Lab
Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab Student Handout
February 2015
Page 2 of
www.BioInteractive.org
6
This study source was downloaded by 100000892213116 from CourseHero.com on 10-11-2024 12:21:59 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/238046887/Lizard-Evolution-Virtual-Lab-Student-Worksheet-1-GOGO-PRECIOUSdocx/
Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab Student Handout
LIZARD EVOLUTION VIRTUAL LAB
Answer the following questions as you finish each module of the virtual lab or as a final assessment
after completing the entire virtual lab.
Module 1: Ecomorphs
1. At the beginning of the virtual lab, you were asked to sort eight lizards into categories. What
criteria did you initially use to make your groups? Did you revise your criteria later? Why?
I used behaviour, colour and size of leg as my criteria because I believe each anole evolved according to its
habitat. I didn't change my criteria.
2. An adaptation is a structure or function that is common in a population because it enhances the
ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Provide one example and an
explanation of one adaptation in the Anolis lizards.
Sheplani Hispaniola
The sheplani Hispaniola anolis lizard has short legs, which help it grip onto the thin branches it lives on. This
adaptation prevents it from falling off easily, allowing the lizard to survive longer in its habitat.,
3. Provide one evolutionary explanation for why lizards living in the same part of the habitat (i.e.,
grass) would have similar characteristics.
Natural selection is one of the main ways living things evolve. It focuses on an organism's physical traits, not its
genes, to decide which traits are passed on to the next generation.Natural selection molds lizards to thrive in
their environment, adapting traits for survival against predators like snakes.
4. What is an ecomorph? Provide one example from the virtual lab.
An ecomorph is a group within a species that's adapted to a certain habitat, showing traits suited to that place.
Like the twig anole, Sheplani Hispaniola and Occultus Puerto Rico lizards with short legs, adapted for twig living.
5. How is an ecomorph different from a species?
An ecomorph groups organisms by body type and habitat, but species include more differences like color or
appearance.
6. Explain how a particular body feature of one of the lizard ecomorphs from the virtual lab is an
adaptation to their particular niche.
In the virtual lab, they looked at a type of lizard called the trunk-crown anole. These lizards have big toepads,
helping them live in the treetops.
February 2015
Page 1 of
www.BioInteractive.org
6
This study source was downloaded by 100000892213116 from CourseHero.com on 10-11-2024 12:21:59 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/238046887/Lizard-Evolution-Virtual-Lab-Student-Worksheet-1-GOGO-PRECIOUSdocx/
, Virtual Lab
Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab Student Handout
February 2015
Page 2 of
www.BioInteractive.org
6
This study source was downloaded by 100000892213116 from CourseHero.com on 10-11-2024 12:21:59 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/238046887/Lizard-Evolution-Virtual-Lab-Student-Worksheet-1-GOGO-PRECIOUSdocx/
