8 th Grade 3/12 Do Now:

1. 8th Grade3/12 Do Now: Can you give examples of variation in different species?

2. This is another population that Darwin documented in another page of his notebook. Notice the variation within the species. These animals are herbivores who eat grass, shrubs and leaves. They are not fast but are able to blend in with the rocks on the island.

3. During Darwin’s stay on the island a volcanic eruption destroyed the ground vegetation (grass and shrubs). Which organisms (if any) do you think will survive?

4. Now a new, long-necked species that also feeds on vegetation migrates to the area. Which organisms (if any) do you think will survive?

5. Why do we find different plants and animals in different parts of the world? • Describe the ecosystem you have been given. • What traits allow this organism to survive in this location? • Could it survive in another region of the world?

6. Adaptation • Adaptations are physical or behavioral traits that help an organism to survive in a certain location • These are things they are born with – not traits they develop through experience

7. Go back to your initial paper on Darwin… • Go back at look at your ideas for how four mammals could have shared a common ancestor. What things would you change about your answer. Write them on the back.