Whale Evolution in the Fossil Record
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Whale Evolution in the Fossil Record" is written for 7th Grade (Ages 12-13), and it covers NGSS MS-LS4-1. A 6th grader who is already steady on living things can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
7th grade science worksheet: order whale ancestors on a 50 million year timeline using hind limbs and nostril position. Answer key included. Part of our natural selection and adaptations living things collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with structures, then fossils and the geologic time scale, and finish with the bacteria sheet as a modern example.
What students will practice
- Students will read a table of traits for whale ancestors and the modern whale.
- Students will place fossil animals on a 50 million year timeline from oldest to newest.
- Students will explain how hind limbs and nostrils changed and write a claim from the evidence.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 7th Grade
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FAQ
How do I use this natural selection and adaptations worksheet?
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Start with structures, then fossils and the geologic time scale, and finish with the bacteria sheet as a modern example.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Order whale ancestors on a 50 million year timeline using hind limbs and nostril position. The directions on the page read: Read the text and study the trait table. Use both to complete page 2. An answer key is included.
Can I use this natural selection and adaptations worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade living things, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What are homologous structures?
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They have the same underlying parts even when their jobs differ, which suggests a common ancestor. A human arm, bat wing, whale flipper and cat leg share the same three bone groups.
How do fossils show that whales evolved from land animals?
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Fossils show hind limbs shrinking and nostrils moving back on the head over about 50 million years.
How does antibiotic resistance relate to natural selection?
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A few bacteria already have a mutation that helps them survive. The drug kills the others, and the resistant cells reproduce.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 7th Grade |
| Subject | Science |
| Topic | Living Things |
| Standard | MS-LS4-1 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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