The student is expected to analyze and evaluate how evidence of common ancestry among groups is provided by the fossil record, biogeography, and homologies, including anatomical, molecular, and developmental; and
A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”
identify and describe past environments based on fossil evidence, including common Texas fossils.
BIO.9.A
analyze and evaluate how evidence of common ancestry among groups is provided by the fossil record, biogeography, and homologies, including anatomical, molecular, and developmental; and
examine scientific explanations for varying rates of change such as gradualism, abrupt appearance, and stasis in the fossil record.
EARTH.7.D
explain how sedimentation, fossilization, and speciation affect the degree of completeness of the fossil record;
EARTH.7.F
analyze data from rock and fossil succession to evaluate the evidence for and significance of mass extinctions, major climatic changes, and tectonic events.