Table 3 Rubric for evaluating questions about Evolution lacks forethought

Were you able to predict the outcome of this simulation? Why?

2

S

explains “no” because each individual responds with a pose in the moment, considering only the immediately preceding pose and without reference to future poses.

G

says “no,” but the explanation is incomplete.

NI

says “yes” or “no”; explanation was made with fair effort, but reveals misconceptions, such as that evolution is entirely random.

U

says “yes” or “no” without offering any explanation.

How is this simulation like evolution?

2

S

explains the phrase “evolution lacks forethought,” noting that the rapidly and unpredictably changing environment results in fast changes in selective pressures; observes that individuals are constrained by their ancestry, and recognizes that mutations accrue at a constant rate.

G

includes inaccuracies while explaining what “evolution lacks forethought” means, for example stating that individuals mutate in response to environmental change.

NI

parrots the phrase “evolution lacks forethought” without indicating an understanding of what it means.

U

is unable to find similarities.

How does this simulation differ from evolution?

4a, 4b, 4c

S

explains that individuals choose their poses, that this simulation does not illustrate a sorting process, and that each person represents an entire generation.

G

addresses some, but not all of the similarities listed above.

NI

makes a fair attempt to answer the question, but fails to construct a logical argument.

U

is unable to find differences.

Why do the rules of the simulation specify that the environment was changing rapidly?

3, 3a, 3c

S

recognizes that the environment is a constantly changing filter that selects different poses; explains that the act of assuming a pose is an analogy for the environment dictating which pose is selected.

G

recognizes that the environment is a constantly changing filter that selects different poses, but does not recognize that assuming a pose is an analogy for selection.

NI

associates environmental change with natural selection without explaining that the environment is the filter that dictates survival.

U

fails to associate environmental change with natural selection.

How would the results of the simulation change if the environment remained stable and if natural selection did not occur? Why?

5

S

recognizes that rapid but neutral evolution through genetic drift can result in the same pattern observed.

G

recognizes rapid but neutral evolution through genetic drift, but does not address how the results of the simulation could change.

NI

recognizes that natural selection is not occurring, but does not explain accurately how these changes can occur; for example, argues that mutation causes all the change without reference to selection or drift.

U

guesses or does not attempt to explain answer.