Evolutionary Adaptations Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to create a Powtoons presentation that will teach your classmates about the
evolutionary significance of your assigned species. You will be working in groups of four to conduct research
related to adaptations your species has evolved. While conducting your research, be sure to investigate how
human activity may have played a role in influencing how your species has adapted to its environment. Refer to
the Evaluating Credible Sources handout located in the Student Resources tab to ensure your research is
inquired through credible sources. Be sure to include a reference section in APA format (if applicable).
Your Powtoons presentation should include the following:

A description of your species (species name, genus, family, geographical distribution, etc.)
A description of the environmental conditions or geographical area in which your species is located
An overview of adaptations your species has evolved
Information about the selective pressure acting on your species (evolutionary change)
Insight on how humans may have contributed to the evolution of your species

The Powtoons presentation should be 3-5 minutes long. You are encouraged to use images, videos, voice over
recordings explaining each slide and other creative elements available through the program.
Due Date: November 26th, 2014
Species:
1) Peppered Moths
2) Darwins Finches
3) HIV virus
4) Arctic Fox

Evolutionary Adaptations Rubric

CATEGORIES
&
Criteria
KNOWLEDGE &
UNDERSTANDING

THINKING &
INVESTIGATION

COMMUNICATION

APPLICATION

Total: /35
Comments:

Level 1
(50-59%)

Level 2
(60-69%)

Level 3
(70-79%)

Level 4
(80-100%)

Poor understanding of
evolutionary adaptations
of species. Points are not
developed and lack detail.
Information was not
relevant

Some understanding of
evolutionary adaptations of
species. Points are usually
developed with minimum
detail. Information is
usually relevant.

Good understanding of
evolutionary adaptations of
species. Information was
relevant and expressed in
own words. Points were
developed with sufficient
and appropriate details.

Little to no links and

connections made
between human activity
and species adaptations

Some links and connections

made between human
activity and species
adaptations

Links and connections

made between human
activity and species
adaptations

A very good
understanding of
evolutionary adaptations
of species. Information
was relevant and well
expressed in own words.
Points were well
organized and developed
with sufficient and
appropriate details.
Clear links and
connections made
between human activity
and species adaptations

Expresses and organizes

ideas and information
with limited effectiveness.
Powtoons presentation is
not put
together/incomplete. Did
not use APA references.

Expresses and organizes

ideas and information with
some effectiveness.
Powtoons presentation is
complete but does not
include all information.
References using APA some
of the time.

Applies subject
knowledge with limited
effectiveness. Does not
transfer knowledge of
material to species
adaptations.

Applies subject knowledge

with some effectiveness.
Transfers some knowledge
of material to species
adaptations.

Expresses and organizes

ideas and information with
considerable effectiveness.
Powtoons presentation is
complete and organized
and includes most of the
information. References
using APA most of the
time.
Applies subject knowledge
with considerable
effectiveness. Transfers
most knowledge of
material to species
adaptations

Expresses and organizes

ideas and information
with a high degree of
effectiveness. Powtoons
presentation is put
together in an effective
manner and includes all
information. References
using APA consistently
Applies subject
knowledge with a high
degree effectiveness.
Transfers extensive
knowledge of material to
species adaptations

Score
or N/A

/10

/10

/10

/5