Evolution Project
Name
Period
Cladograms are diagrams showing the relationship between different groups of taxa called “clades.” By
depicting these relationships, cladograms construct the evolutionary history (phylogeny) of the taxa (group).
Cladograms are constructed by grouping organisms together based on their shared characteristics.
Derived characteristics are traits shared by the members of a group of organisms with many similarities,
known as a clade. These characteristics, however, are not shared by the ancestors of clade members. This
indicates that derived characteristics evolve as a result of the clade's evolution.
These changes can be used to trace evolution of fish to reptiles, dinosaurs to birds, whales, rodents, plants,
etc.
This assignment can be used for 20 points extra credit or to replace the test on evolution.
Check the derived characteristic of each of the creatures.
Derived Character
Eyes Present
Spines Present
Eyes on Stalks
Feet Present
Antennae Present
A
B
C
D
Label each of the nodes with the appropriate
derived character on the cladogram
Bozeman Science has a good video about creating cladograms at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouZ9zEkxGWg
Watched
Assignment
Create a table of derived characteristics showing the evolutionary relationships of certain organisms.
*start with a common ancestors of the chosen organisms and then show the derived characters over time.
The cladogram should include at least five organisms and include pictures of each organism at the top of the
cladogram line. The cladogram should include at least five derived characteristics labeled at the nodes of the
cladogram. Remember all organisms to the right of the node should have the derived character.
A small one page essay should be included in the project using MLA format and at least 2 citations. The essay
should include a thesis statement and a general timeline of the development of the organism(s).
The project can include the
1) evolution of plants
2) evolution of dinosaurs
3) sponges
4) Cnidarians
5) Chordates
6) Mammals
7) Dinosaurs
8) Reptiles (fish to reptiles)
9) Whales
Grading Rubric
Requirement
Yes
No
Shows
some
Few
None
Poster Board
Shows correct derived characters
for evolution of the organism
Derived characters placed on the
correct node
Pictures – At least 5- either drawn
or printed shown above the line
for each organism represented
Poster is nice, neat and colorful
Includes Essay
Essay is in MLA format
Essay includes 2 citations
Information well presented in the
essay
5 points
10 points
0 points
7
5
0
8
5
3
0
5
3
2
0
8
2
4
3
5
4
0
3
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
Note: Only scientific websites are allowed to be used in the project.