a. USE mathematical representations to EVALUATE explanations of how natural selection leads to

changes in specific traits of populations over successive generations.

(Clarification statement: Referencing data should be obtained from multiple sources including, but not limited to, existing research and simulations. Students should be able to calculate means, represent this data in a table or , and reference it when explaining the principles of

natural selection.)

b. CONSTRUCT an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variation and

environmental factors influence the probability of survival and reproduction of a species.

c. ANALYZE and INTERPRET data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence,

diversity, and extinction of organisms and their relationships to modern organisms.

(Clarification statement: Evidence of evolution found in comparisons of current/modern

organisms such as homologous structures, DNA, and fetal development will be addressed in high

school.)