Structure and Function

In this modeling exercise, students will use Darwin’s Finches to learn about adaptive radiation and how numerous species of finches on the Galapagos Islands originated from one common ancestor to explore the cross-cutting concept “Structure and Function”.

With the 13-14 species of finches (different beak structures & habitats; diets- seeds, insects, leaves, etc.), this modeling exercise can be approached in different ways.

• Students can model the type of beak a finch would have based on different diets or environments.
• Provided with pictures of the beak and concepts/terms, students can model the environment and type of diet that a finch would best survive in.
• Students can begin with the ancestral finch (ground dwelling, seed eating), and model how it evolved over time into other species based on environment and diet.
• Picture: https://cruise-tour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Finches2.jpg
• Website: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/6/l_016_02.html#:~:text=A%20few%20million%20years%20ago%2C%20one%20species%20of%20finch%20migrated,evolving%20from%20the%20single%20ancestor.

Suggested Modeling Elements: N/A or Review Library. This exercise explores research and depictions of the Galapagos Finches’ evolution of the structure and function of their beaks and differences in their environment. For teachers interested in customizing this exercise further into students' modeling-making, we encourage you to explore the visual library tool and choose the modeling elements/moves that best fit your instructional plan, if applicable.

Suggested Sensemaking Components: Movement/Motion, Zoom in/out, Flow of Energy