cladistics

Christopher Brochu
,
University of Iowa
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Summary

lab assignments intended to teach the basics of reading phylogenetic diagrams and parsimony optimization.

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Context

Audience

intoductory courses for non-majors

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

basic osteology and evolution (VERY basic - this can be taught without those).

How the activity is situated in the course

Early in semester. Lab 3 is assigned immediately following lecture on subject. Labs 4 and 5 are on succeeding weeks.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

basics of reading phylogenetic diagrams and parsimony optimization

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

predictive nature of the historical sciences

Other skills goals for this activity

Description of the activity/assignment

Determining whether students have met the goals

quiz; follow-up assignments

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

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