Transitional Fossils and Evolutionary Milestones Reading Worksheet | Biology | Grades 9–12

Transitional Fossils and Evolutionary Milestones Reading Worksheet is a reading passage with comprehension questions for high school Biology (grades 9–12) on Transitional Fossils and Evolutionary Milestones (chapter: Evolution).

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

Sample item: “1. What is a transitional fossil, and why are they important in documenting evolutionary history?”

What's inside: Transitional Fossils and Evolutionary Milestones (editable .docx + PDF, about 1,856 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: Reading Worksheet. Format: editable Microsoft Word file plus a ready-to-print PDF.

Classroom use: Assign as a reading for class or homework, then discuss the questions. 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.