In this activity, you will be provided with a scenario and will be required to explain the influence of evolution on the development of a new specie from a previous population. (180 mins)

Step 1: Review

Review the required learning resources for this lesson.

Step 2: Analyze 

Study the hypothetical case scenario below.

A unique population of green lizards lives in a lush forest surrounded by beautifully landscaped flowing rivers and healthy plants. A scientist visiting the garden decides to capture many of these green lizards to study in his laboratory. On arriving at his laboratory in a dry, rocky desert, he puts the green lizards in a large cage. Unfortunately, the lizards escaped into the desert.

As years passed, another team of scientists found that the lizards from both regions had remarkably similar features, except the claws of the lizards in the rocky area were longer, and the lizard's color was greyish-brown.

Step 3: Respond 

Prepare a 300-400 word assessment describing the influence of evolution on the development of a new species. Consider the following points.

• What caused the observed changes?
• Explain the concept of adaptation and its importance. 

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work in the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

Evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - D of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for the grade you have provided, as well as comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.” 

You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item B is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item C is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item D is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….

OPTIONAL Step 6: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”