SPA: A Fossilized Mammal
Assessment
This Short Performance Assessment (SPA) addresses the following NGSS PE: MS-LS4-2 Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on explanations of the evolutionary relationships among organisms in terms of similarity or differences of the gross appearance of anatomical structures.] This assessment was adapted from a Greenwich Public Schools exemplar. At this time no answer key is available.
The images of the fossils are of an extinct mammal discovered by paleontologists in Pakistan in 1994. Make a claim as to which extant (currently surviving) mammal is most related to this extinct mammal. Use the Common Order of Mammals Resource Guide(only available to Greenwich Public Schools) to help you. Click Next to begin.
Topics and standards: Extinction, Life Science, LS4.A, Natural Selection, Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Patterns, Grades 6-8, MS-LS4-2, 3D Science Tasks, Hosted Greenwich SPA, 8-LS4-2, Assessment, 3.1.6-8.P