Biology – Exploring Evolutionary Change

Maximum Number of Students

Duration

1 Day 9:30 – 2:30

Curriculum Areas

VCE Biology

Description

In conjunction with Healesville Sanctuary, Students investigate genetic diversity in local possum populations using micropipettes and gel electrophoresis. Aligned with VCE Biology Unit 4, they identify species diversity, explore molecular homology, and construct phylogenetic trees. Activities include gel electrophoresis, tree analysis, and survival simulations, covering allele frequency changes, homology evidence, and species relatedness.

Learning Outcomes

Investigate genetic diversity in local populations using molecular evidence
Explain how changes in allele frequencies occur within populations over time
Interpret molecular homology as evidence for relatedness between species
Construct and interpret phylogenetic trees to represent species relatedness
Evaluate the biological consequences of genetic diversity for species survival

Career Paths

Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
Research scientist
Wildlife ecologist
Forensic scientist
Zoo Keeper

Tertiary Options

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Bachelor of Zoology
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Before your visit

Yarra Ranges Tech School has pre-work and post-work developed specifically for each program. We suggest reviewing and implementing these resources to enhance your curriculum and support alignment with the Victorian 2.0 curriculum.

Pre & Post Work

Share your resources

Yarra Ranges Tech School recognises the hard work our partner school teachers put into developing resources. If you have materials that link to our programs, we’d love to share them with your peers. Please contact us at YRTSProgrambookings@boxhill.edu.au to submit your resources.

Leadbeater Possum Simulation Game

Play the simulation and export your data!