Co-evolution and Evolutionary Arms

Race Research Task

In this assessed project you will research the evidence for evolution and
investigate a case study that demonstrates co-evolution between two
species. You will be expected to create a PowerPoint to present in class.
You may work with one partner for this task.

Background Research

1) Begin with a brief explanation of what evolution by natural selection is.

Link this to the evolution of the iphone.

2) State what co-evolution is and explain how two species interacting over a long
period of time can result in an evolutionary arms race.

3) Next research five forms of evidence to support the Theory of Evolution, listed
below.

 Fossil Record
o Explain how fossils demonstrate gradual changes over time and the
emergence of new species from common ancestors.

 Comparative Anatomy
o The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different
species. Homologous structures and analogous structures provide
clues about evolutionary relationships. Are these types of structures
the result of convergent or divergent evolution, explain.

 Embryology
o Explain how shared embryonic features suggest that species have
evolved from a common ancestor.

 DNA Hybridisation
o Describe how DNA evidence shows common ancestry at the genetic
level and how small changes in DNA accumulate over time.

 Biogeography
o Explain how the geographic distribution of species supports
evolutionary theory.
Co-Evolution Case Study

You are to conduct research on the two species involved in co-evolution, gathering
information on how they interact and how they have adapted in response to each
other over time. You are not limited to researching the options below, check with
your teacher if you had a different example of co-evolution that you would like to
research.

 Predator-prey relationships  Plant-animal interactions

o large cats vs. herd o plants vs. herbivorous
animals insects
o bats vs. moths o cacti vs. desert
o birds of prey vs. herbivores
camouflaged rodents o poisonous plants vs.
 Parasite-host relationships animals that eat them
o cuckoo birds laying eggs  Mutualistic relationships
in other birds' nests o cleaner fish and host fish
o parasitic wasps and their o flowering plants and their
host species pollinators

Analysis of Evolutionary Adaptations

1. What specific traits have evolved in each species because of their

interactions?
2. How do these traits benefit the species in terms of survival or reproduction?
3. Have there been any counter-adaptations? For instance, if one species
evolves a stronger defence, how has the other species evolved to overcome
it?
4. How does this cycle of adaptation and counter-adaptation illustrate the
concept of natural selection?
5. Analyse the evolutionary history of both species to identify key adaptations
that demonstrate the arms race between them.
Please relate the above section to how America has the right to bear arms.

Predictions of Possible Future Evolution

1. Suggest some (reasonable) potential new evolutionary traits of this

relationship? Explain how this new trait may affect the evolution of the other
species.
2. How might climate change, habitat destruction, or human intervention (such
as selective breeding or pest control) influence the course of this evolutionary
arms race?

Bibliography

Include a bibliography for your presentation using the Harvard APA referencing style.
You can find more information about how to do that here:
[Link]
 Sectio Question 5 marks 4 marks 3 marks 2 marks 1 mark 0 marks
n
1. Evolution and natural Explanation of both Explanations of both Not explained
selection concepts is done concepts is correct. correctly or not
Background

well and is concise. shown.

Research

2. Co-evolution Explanation of both Explanations of both Not explained

concepts is done concepts is correct. correctly or not
well and is concise. shown.
3. Five forms of All 5 forms of All 5 forms of Explanations are Explanations are Explanations are too Not explained
evidence for evolution evidence explained evidence explained good with some satisfactory, but simple or many correctly or not
excellently with no well, with minimal mistakes or some missing detail or missing sections. shown.
mistakes. mistakes. missing sections. some missing
sections.
1. Traits of each species All traits are Traits are described Traits are described Few traits Not explained
Co-Evolution: Evolutionary

because of their described well and well but are not all well but are not all described. correctly or not
interaction relate to the related to their related to their shown.
interaction between interactions. interactions.
the species.
2. Benefits of traits in All benefits of traits All benefits of traits Some benefits of Not explained
Adaptations

terms of survival or explained well and explained well. traits listed. correctly or not
reproduction concisely. shown.
3. Counter-adaptions All counter All counter Some counter Not explained
adaptions listed and adaptions listed and adaptions listed. correctly or not
explained concisely. explained. shown.
4. How do adaptations Explained using Explained in simple Not explained
and counter- correct biological terms. correctly or not
adaptations illustrate terminology. shown.
natural selection?
5. Evolutionary history Common ancestors Common ancestors Not explained
of both species of the species are of the species are correctly or not
explored explored concisely. explored. shown.
1. New possible Reasonable traits Reasonable traits Unreasonable traits Not explained
Future Evolution

evolutionary traits are suggested and are suggested, but are suggested. correctly or not
Co-Evolution:

discussed well linked to no link to the shown.

possible counter- impact on the other
adaptations in the species is explored.
other species.
2. How might climate All concepts Some concepts Not explained
change, habitat discussed, with discussed, with correctly or not
destruction or human reasonable reasonable shown.
conclusions of the conclusions of the
intervention influence
impact. impact.
the co-evolution
explored?
Grammar / spelling No mistakes. Some mistakes. Many mistakes
throughout
General Marks

presentation.
Pictures / graphics that Many engaging and Some pictures Limited pictures, or No pictures /
improve presentation relevant pictures included that pictures do not graphics used.
included. improve improve
presentation. presentation.
Bibliography Show in correct Not shown in Not shown.
format (Harvard correct format.
APA).
Presentation (speaking) Student spoke Student spoke Student spoke Student spoke Student did not Student did not
clearly, had good clearly, had good clearly and had clearly but speak clearly and speak.
eye contact and eye contact and good eye contact mispronounced mispronounced
memorised what read off cue cards. but read off slides. words. words.
they were going to
say.

Total Marks: /40