This simple worksheet is designed to help students with vocabulary and study for their test. I usually give crosswords with review guides to chapters. Our freshman biology course places evolution at the beginning of the sequence, so students usually study evolution and taxonomy before they go to the units on anatomy.
Biology 1 and 2 courses use the Miller and Levine Dragonfly textbook, which is is over 10 years old. We supplement many of our lessons with material from HHMI Biointeractive, such as the activity on Rock Pocket Mice and Elephant Evolution due to poaching.
For each model organism studies, students practice using a VIDA chart (variation, inheritance, differential survival, adaptation) which outlines how that organism changes over time.
Topics covered in this unit and crossword puzzle:
- Darwin’s observations on the Galapagos islands
- Convergent and divergent evolution
- Homologous Structures
- Evidence of evolution
- Cladograms and phylogenetic trees / speciation
- Steps involved in evolution by natural selection (VIDA)
This is a newer version of this evolution crossword which needed an update due to answers being posted on other sites. You can purchase the key at Teachers Pay Teachers (other keys are also available).
Grade Level: 7-12
Time Required: 15-20 minutes