The development of understanding of genetics and evolution common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Avoid blurring DNA vs genes in Theory of evolution (biology only)

  A common mistake is treating dna as if it always means one gene. when answering questions on Theory of evolution (biology only).

  Fix itKeep the answer tied to the approved objective: students must describe how Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection using observations, experimentation, discussion, geology and fossils. Use the distinction that DNA is the molecule; a gene is a functional section of that molecule.

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Explain that individuals in a species show a wide range of variation for a characteristic..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to explain that individuals in a species show a wide range of variation for a characteristic..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Explain that individuals best suited to the environment are more likely to survive and breed successfully..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to explain that individuals best suited to the environment are more likely to survive and breed successfully..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Explain that useful characteristics are passed to the next generation..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to explain that useful characteristics are passed to the next generation..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Recall that Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to recall that Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Explain why Darwin’s theory was controversial and only gradually accepted..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to explain why Darwin’s theory was controversial and only gradually accepted..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Explain that the mechanism of inheritance and variation was not known when Darwin published his theory..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to explain that the mechanism of inheritance and variation was not known when Darwin published his theory..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Compare Darwin’s theory with Lamarck’s idea that acquired characteristics can be inherited, noting that this is not true in most cases..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to compare Darwin’s theory with Lamarck’s idea that acquired characteristics can be inherited, noting that this is not true in most cases..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: State that a study of creationism is not required..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to state that a study of creationism is not required..

• Theory of evolution (biology only) common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Appreciate that evolutionary theory developed over time from evidence gathered by many scientists..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to appreciate that evolutionary theory developed over time from evidence gathered by many scientists..