Tag: natural selection

Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

How the Snowshoe Hare Is Losing Its Winter Whites

ENVIRONMENT As the climate warms, snowshoe hares are increasingly ditching their winter wardrobes and keeping the brown fur they sport during the rest of the year. Now, a new study shows how: by borrowing a gene from a jackrabbit. (Science) Why does the snowshoe hare change coats to begin with? Check out our terrific gallery of downloadable illustrations for some help. Teachers, scroll down for … Continue reading How the Snowshoe Hare Is Losing Its Winter Whites

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Nature’s Nose Job

SCIENCE New research shows how the width of our nasal passages is literally shaped by the air we breathe. (Smithsonian) Geography can shape cultural characteristics, too. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas New research has found some links between the shape of our noses and our geographic ancestry. What … Continue reading Nature’s Nose Job

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

How an Elephant Loses Its Tusks: A Lesson in (Un)Natural Selection

SCIENCE Tuskless elephants may be a response to the selective pressure of poaching. (Nautilus) Learn more about the natural and unnatural history of the African elephant with our video study guide. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Most African elephants have tusks. In Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, however, about 33% of young females are tuskless. … Continue reading How an Elephant Loses Its Tusks: A Lesson in (Un)Natural Selection

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

One of ‘Darwin’s Finches’ Struggles to Survive

SCIENCE One of the world’s rarest birds, the mangrove finch has dwindled to a habitat the size of just 12 city blocks. Here’s how scientists are trying to bring it back from near-extinction. (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to understand why these little birds have such big reputations. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including a … Continue reading One of ‘Darwin’s Finches’ Struggles to Survive

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Current Event Connection, Main

Why Zebras Got Their Stripes

SCIENCE You would think that someone would have come up with the definitive answer by now, but, in fact, the reason zebras have stripes remains a biological mystery. Scientists have a pretty good idea, however. (New Yorker) Use our resources to read between the lines of evolution and natural selection. Discussion Ideas Read the fascinating New Yorker blog post, then read the first page of … Continue reading Why Zebras Got Their Stripes

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