Hybrid Zones: Evolution's Testing Grounds

Students will learn that hybrids are not flukes—they’re commonly found in the wild and our grocery stores! By playing and reflecting on Foraging Frenzy (a research-inspired memory game) students will appreciate how climate change affects species ranges and the direction of evolution. This pathway is aimed at Grades 8-12 and consists of three 45-minute activities. Driving Questions: • What is hybridization and how does it impact evolution? • Is hybridization good, bad or neutral? • How is climate change impacting hybridization and evolution? Students will move around, play a memory game, and have many opportunities for discussion as they explore how hybridization, evolution, and climate change are intertwined in diverse organisms. Explore the research background, learning standards, and credits that shape this pathway.

Topics

  • SL.11-12.1
  • HS-LS4-5
  • HS-LS4-2
  • hybrids
  • climate change
  • chikadee
  • population dynamics
  • food webs
  • species
  • hybridization
  • habitat impact
  • hybrid species
  • genetic variation
  • selective breeding