Lesson List

Lesson 1: How is it the way it is??

Topic: Introduction to Natural Selection Theme: Organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Lesson 2: Why does the songbird sing??

Topic: Bird Songs vs Calls Theme: A bird species’ song and calls have different characteristics and serve different purposes to enhance survival and reproduction.

Lesson 3: Wait… birds have dance battles??

Topic: Courtship Rituals and Mating Displays Theme: The courtship rituals and mating displays of birds are not only entertaining, but also teach us how natural selection can produce unique behaviors and physical features.

Lesson 4: How does one make a nest??

Topic: Bird Nesting and the Nest Cycle Themes: Nests are important structures for young survival. Nest types and materials vary widely depending on species and habitat.

Lesson 5: How is reproductive success measured??

Topic: MRBO Nest Monitoring Project Themes: One way we can measure reproductive success is by measuring nesting success. We can use long-term nest monitoring data to see how specific factors may increase or decrease nest success.
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Video 1: What is natural selection?

Video Summary: Video lesson covers all vocabulary terms and uses the Missouri example of the Oblong-winged Katydid to help describe the process of natural selection. Video is made by Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) staff.

Instructions:

  1. Watch video: Natural Selection 
  2. Complete this Google Forms Quiz to make sure you know the concepts. 
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