Phylogenetic Classification: Cladistics and Molecular Homology in Vertebrates CER Phenomena Worksheet | Biology | Grades 9–12

Phylogenetic Classification: Cladistics and Molecular Homology in Vertebrates CER Phenomena Worksheet is a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning phenomena worksheet for high school Biology (grades 9–12) on Phylogenetic Classification: Cladistics and Molecular Homology in Vertebrates (chapter: Evolution).

Pairs with: Evolution Slide Show Presentation; Evolution Guided Notes; Evolution Lesson Quiz; Evolution Unit Test.

Sections: National Teaching Standard & Investigation Objective; Investigation Evidence Dossier (documents 1–5); Document-based Scientific Writing Prompt (dbq); Student CER Writing Response Section; 4-point Analytic CER Scoring Rubric; 1. Exemplary Model Thesis / Claim:; 2. Designated Evidence Points From Documents:; 3. Comprehensive Scientific Reasoning:. Sample item: “Teacher: _______________________”

What's inside: Phylogenetic Classification: Cladistics and Molecular Homology in Vertebrates CER Worksheet (editable .docx + PDF, about 1,549 words, 8 pages); answer key / model answers for the teacher.

Standards: HS-LS4-1 — Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence. HS-LS4-2 — Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment. HS-LS4-4 — Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

Resource type: CER Phenomena Worksheet. Format: editable Microsoft Word file plus a ready-to-print PDF.

Classroom use: Students read the case, analyze the data, and write a CER argument; a model answer and scoring guide are included. Built for high school Biology, grades 9–12.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.