Cladogram Project
For this project we were given a box of an assortment of nails, screws, etc. that we had to categorize into groups. Our group decided to categorize them based on their traits. For example, if they had ridges or not, the size of their head, how long they were and so on. Once we categorized them we had to create a cladogram for them which is a branching diagram that shows the relationship between a number of species. To complete this we had to give each group of tools a species name and then organize them further into families, orders, classes, etc. Once we completed our cladogram the group then had to create a story of why each species evolved. Finally we then presented our project to the class.
Concepts
- Cladogram : a branching diagram showing the relationship between a number of species
- Speciation : the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution
- Classification : the action or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics
- Phenotype : the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment
- Genotype : the genetic constitution of an individual organism
- Evolution : the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth
- Natural Selection : survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype
- Competition : the activity or condition of competing to survive in an environment
- Adaptation : a change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment
Reflection
This project was ok. It was a very long and not very interesting. It was very tedious trying to sort all the tools into different categories, and the cladograms were a little tricky in the beginning as well. I would say we definitely had to much time for this project, and since it wasn't very interesting either, I often found myself getting side tracked. Staying on task is something I definitely need to work on for the next project, and I learned from this project that I do not stay on task very well if I am not intrigued by what we are doing. However I feel all of my group contributed the same amount of work and we all worked well together. I also felt I took more initiative in this project like organizing out work for people to do. However I think I can take an even bigger leadership role in the next project. In addition I learned how to create my own cladogram that I can use in the future. Overall this project was not very fun nor fascinating.