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Evolution revolution worksheet
Embark upon an evolution journey …
Discover how some animals have evolved over time from mega three tonne wombats to carnivorous kangaroos!
In small groups, complete the worksheet. We recommend staggered groups to minimise congestion if multiple classes. Read the exhibit signage as well as the worksheet to discover the answers. Worksheet sections/locations can be completed in any order. Come back to a question if you can’t answer it right away as you might find it on a sign later.
Please note that Years 9-12 still require teacher/parent supervision to ride the train.
Blinky Bill’s Home Tree (Freshwater animals, nocturnal mammals and reptiles - map reference B14) -
1.
Evidence suggests that the earliest fish had gills. Find a fish that has gills but also uses something else to breath.
2.
Fossil evidence suggests that snakes may have evolved from burrowing lizards. Outline the three physical differences between snakes and lizards.
a) ______________________________________________________________________________________________
b) _____________________________________________________________________________________________
c)
Did you know some pythons and boas have tiny hind leg bones buried in the muscles towards the tail. These vestigial or remnant legs are another clue that snakes evolved from lizards …
3.
Find an introduced amphibian that Scientists believe have evolved longer legs to hop further and faster.
Did you know this South to Central American amphibian was introduced to Queensland to control cane beetles in Queensland. It is now invading Northern Territory. These longer legs may have assisted with the journey.
4.
Flying Squirrels are native to North America. They are placental mammals belonging to the order rodentia. Natural selection has enabled them to adapt to leaping from treetops and foraging at night hence their gliding membranes and large eyes.
What is natural selection? A process in nature in which organisms possessing certain genotypic characteristics that make them better adjusted to an environment tend to survive, reproduce, increase in number or frequency, and therefore, are able to transmit and perpetuate their essential genotypic qualities to succeeding generations.
a) Find a marsupial mammal belonging to the order diprotodontia that has the same adaptations. These mammals are only distantly related yet have similar adaptations.
Forest Fringe Aviary (map reference I15) -
5.
Find a female bird that selects only males that are the best builders, decorators and dancers!
Naturalist Charles Darwin marvelled at the architecture of the bowers, and their place in the sexual selection of the species, citing it in his writings on evolution.
Did you know? The bower is not a ‘nest’. It is an attractive 'avenue', used by male bowerbirds to seduce a female. Mating takes place in the bower.
Tasmanian Devil (map reference Q12) -
Australia has a great diversity of marsupials. Marsupials evolved from South America and can also be found in Papua New Guinea. Some scientists say this short gestation or pregnancy period may be a reproductive strategy used to survive Australia’s largely desert environment. The Tasmanian Devil is an example of natural selection at its best.
a) How many joeys can Tasmanian Devils have?
b) How many joeys will have the opportunity to attach to a teat?
This reproductive strategy ensures ‘survival of the fittest’! Only the fittest genes will survive and reproduce.
DFTD is a contagious cancer responsible for the decline of Tasmanian Devils. Scientists believe devils may be evolving in response to DFTD as many females are reproducing at a younger age. DFTD itself is a cancer that has evolved as cancer is not normally contagious. Scientists have discovered the rogue cell line that initially evolved in a tumour of unknown origin. Some scientists believe the spread of mutation DFTD genes could be due to the lack of genetic variation and isolation as Tasmanian Devils are only found in Tasmania. They were once found on the mainland of Australia however. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Insurance Population Program is keeping health animals on the mainland away from sick ones. These specially selected Tasmanian Devils and their offspring are continually monitored for their heath and viability in the program.
Species rich rainforest at Riversleigh 19 million years ago. Artist - Dorothy Dunphy
Bonus question
What does biodiversity mean?
Meeting place for WILDLIFE DISCOVERY TOUR – Kangaroo feed machine in paddock
(map reference S13)
Time to be confirmed by your teacher
Meet your Education Officer, here, at the kangaroo feed machine …
As a class, you will go back in time, back to the formation of Gondwana when dinosaurs ruled the earth and many of the major animal groups we know today began their evolution journey …
Wildlife Discovery Tour - Lost Valley (map reference V14) -
Conduct observations of adaptations in action as four animals engage with enrichment (food and/or toy items). Summarise adaptations and how each animal has evolved over time.
a) Southern Cassowary
b) Green Iguana or Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo
c) Cotton-top Tamarin
Mega three tonne wombat (between map reference S8 - echidnas and R8 - koalas)
11.
Just kidding! It’s just a sign with a picture of one. Can you imagine a time when mega fauna like this massive wombat-like creature walked the earth …
a) How long ago did this creature exist?
Between __________________________ years ago and ____________________________ years ago.
b) List two features this creature shared with today’s wombat species.
____________________________________ and ___________________________________
c) List three features that make today’s wombats better suited to their environment.
i) ___________________________________
ii) ___________________________________
iii) ___________________________________
Koalas - Near Wombat Den (map reference R8) -
12.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is working on artificial insemination programs in partnership with University of Queensland. Artificial insemination is collecting semen from male Koalas and inseminating female Koalas.
a) Why is it important that Koalas are genetically diverse (genetic variation)?
Did you know Victorian Koalas vary from their southern cousins. They are darker in colour and almost double the weight to survive the cooler climate.
Dingoes (map reference - U7) -
13.
a) The scientific opinion is that dingoes reached Australia when?
Between _____________________________and _________________________________ years ago.
b) How did dingoes reach Australia?
c) Why are there no dingoes in Tasmania?
d) Which animal is the likely ancestor of dingoes?
e) What does it mean for dingoes as a species if they interbreed with domestic dogs? Is this positive or negative for dingoes?
Bonus question
How are the reproductive strategies of the echidna (and Platypus) different to all other mammals?
Did you know Tasmanian echidnas vary from their southern cousins. They have less quills (spikes) and more fur to survive the cooler climate.
What is natural selection? A process in nature in which organisms possessing certain genotypic characteristics that make them better adjusted to an environment tend to survive, reproduce, increase in number or frequency, and therefore, are able to transmit and perpetuate their essential genotypic qualities to succeeding generations.
a) Find a marsupial mammal belonging to the order diprotodontia that has the same adaptations. These mammals are only distantly related yet have similar adaptations.
Squirrel Glider
Forest Fringe Aviary (map reference I15) -
5.
Find a female bird that selects only males that are the best builders, decorators and dancers!
Satin Bowerbird
Naturalist Charles Darwin marvelled at the architecture of the bowers, and their place in the sexual selection of the species, citing it in his writings on evolution.
Did you know? The bower is not a ‘nest’. It is an attractive 'avenue', used by male bowerbirds to seduce a female. Mating takes place in the bower.
Tasmanian Devil (map reference Q12) -
Australia has a great diversity of marsupials. Marsupials evolved from South America and can also be found in Papua New Guinea. Some scientists say this short gestation or pregnancy period may be a reproductive strategy used to survive Australia’s largely desert environment. The Tasmanian devil is an example of natural selection at its best …
6.
a) How many joeys can Tasmanian Devils have?
As many as 40
b) How many joeys will have the opportunity to attach to a teat?
Four
This reproductive strategy ensures ‘survival of the fittest’! Only the fittest genes will survive and reproduce.
DFTD is a contagious cancer responsible for the decline of Tasmanian Devils. Scientists believe devils may be evolving in response to DFTD as many females are reproducing at a younger age. DFTD itself is a cancer that has evolved as cancer is not normally contagious. Scientists have discovered the rogue cell line that initially evolved in a tumour of unknown origin. Some scientists believe the spread of mutation DFTD genes could be due to the lack of genetic variation and isolation as Tasmanian Devils are only found in Tasmania. They were once found on the mainland of Australia however. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Insurance Population Program is keeping health animals on the mainland away from sick ones. These specially selected Tasmanian Devils and their offspring are continually monitored for their heath and viability in the program.
c) What does DFTD stand for?
Devil Facial Tumour Disease
Kangaroos - paddock (map reference S13) -
7.
Kangaroos are yet another example of an Australian marsupial … Did you know some mammals can put their pregnancy ‘on pause’ …
a) Briefly explain how the kangaroo can have three babies at three different stages at one time.
One joey out of the pouch, one in the pouch and one suspended in development. Kangaroos have a reproductive adaptation called delayed implantation. This is when the fertilised egg can cease development and wait.
b) What is the benefit of this reproductive strategy?
So they can wait until the mother is ready and conditions are right.
Today’s kangaroos evolved from a tree dwelling animal whose feet were not suited to walking or running on the
forest floor. This is why today’s kangaroos hop. They also use their strong muscular tail for balance.
c) Can present day kangaroos move backwards? Observe the kangaroos if you cannot find the answer on the
signage.
No (because of their tail)
d) Are present day kangaroos omnivores or herbivores?
Herbivores
Did you know they found carnivorous kangaroo fossils at Riversleigh, a former cattle station in Australia! David Attenborough has called Riversleigh one of the four most important fossil deposits in the world. These kangaroos would have stood up to about a human shoulder with teeth designed for eating flesh and bone.
Species rich rainforest at Riversleigh 19 million years ago. Artist - Dorothy Dunphy
Bonus question
What does biodiversity mean?
The existence of a wide range of different types of organisms in a given place at a given time. The diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat (or in the world as a whole); a high level of biodiversity is desirable. Pertaining to the diversity and frequency of organisms in a given area.
Hard, long tail is used as a weapon and for balance when climbing Greenish grey colour can change colour slightly but not as well as some lizards such as chameleons Parietal eye or third eye on the head is photoreceptive and detects changing light patterns or shadows from predators overhead Large (subtympanic) shield serves no purpose however may fool predators into thinking it is an eye or may assist with camouflage Females and juvenile males are brighter green than adult males acquire the faeces from adults in order to essential gut bacteria to hep digest vegetation Juvenile iguanas often eat Diurnal
Evolution –
Scientists believe land and marine iguanas from the Galapagos Islands rafted and descended from green iguanas from Central and South America
Observations –
Make a note of any adaptations in action as the Keeper offers enrichment (food and/or toy) item.
Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo
Adaptations –
Shorter, broader feet than ground kangaroos with padded soles and sharp, curved claws to help them climb Long tails for balancing when jumping from tree to tree Can walk moving their hind limbs independently. Ground kangaroos can only move their hind limbs at the same time Fur grows in whorls, thought to be an adaptation for rain-shedding Solitary however male territory will overlap with a few females Mostly nocturnal in the wild however more crepuscular in captivity Males are dominant. Tree roos will have many mates
Evolution –
Some tree roo species have only been discovered very recently It is unclear whether tree roos came before or after ground kangaroos. Some research suggests that they did not come first at all. Some research also suggests they are closely related to rock wallabies
Observations –
Make a note of any adaptations in action as the Keeper offers enrichment (food and/or toy items).
c) Cotton-top Tamarin
Adaptations –
Tamarins belong to a group of monkeys called ‘New World Monkeys’ from South America. Chimpanzees and humans belong to a group of monkeys called ‘Old World Monkeys, Apes and Humans’ Unlike some monkeys, they do not have opposable thumbs and their tales are not prehensile
They have more pointed claws than most primates. They are shaped more like a squirrel’s claw than a human finger nail. This helps them cling to trees Diurnal They constantly scan the forest for potential predators. When the group rests, one group member stays alert and makes warning noises if it senses danger Live in family groups of around 40 animals Only dominant males and females reproduce to ensure strong genes are passed on Newborns cling to their parents. Both parents care for the young. The father carries the young but transfers them to the mother at feeding time Behavioural - They will display their rear to intruding primates to tell them it is their territory! Communication – Living in dense vegetation, cotton-top tamarins do not rely heavily on visual communication. They use scent and vocal signals. When interacting closely they utilise tongue flicking, teeth baring, head flicking, head lowering and frowning. When alarmed or excited, they raise the hair on top of their heads and stand tall to make themselves look bigger. Vocal communication including chirping and chucking calls primarily serves as a warning to the group when predators are nearby. Females scent more than males to signal they are in season.
Evolution –
Scientists estimate that monkeys arrived in South America 37 to 40 million years ago evolving from apes and Old World Monkeys however the first fossil evidence of them is dated 11 million years later. This is most likely due to the Amazon’s excessively humid and wet climate Some research suggests they may have rafted from South America to Africa
Observations –
Make a note of any adaptations in action as the Keeper offers enrichment (food and/or toy items) Take note of any similarities between tamarins and humans
d) Ring-tailed Lemur
Adaptations –
Lemurs are prosimians. One of the primitive forms of primate Opposable thumbs and big toes for gripping branches and holding objects Most lemurs send most of their time in trees with the exception of the ring-tailed lemur. They have one claw on each of their back feet. Most digits have nails for climbing and feeding They have strong back legs for jumping and long tails for balance Long bushy tail for balance when climbing Ring-tailed lemurs have scent glands on their wrists and chests that they use to mark their foraging routes. Males have a horny spur on each wrist to pierce tree ranches before scent marking them. Secretions can also be rubbed on the tail and flicked at an opponent When they travel in troops they keep their tails in the air, like flags They live in groups ranging from three to 25 Females are dominant which is unusual in the primate world. Females must fight for this position. Females spend their whole life in their birth group
Pouch and predominant incisors at the front
c) List three features that make today’s wombats better suited to their environment.
i) Size
ii) Feet shape
iii) Backwards facing pouch
Koalas - Near Wombat Den (map reference R8) -
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is working on artificial insemination programs in partnership with University of Queensland. Artificial insemination is collecting semen from male Koalas and inseminating female Koalas.
Why is it important that Koalas are genetically diverse (genetic variation)?
To reduce the side effects of inbreeding. Inbreeding can cause Koalas to carry undesired genetic traits and they may also become susceptible to diseases.
Did you know Victorian Koalas vary from their southern cousins. They are darker in colour and almost double the weight to survive the cooler climate.
Dingoes (map reference - U7) -
13.
a) The scientific opinion is that dingoes reached Australia when?
Between 3000 and 8000 years ago
b) How did dingoes reach Australia?
Former land bridges that linked Australia with New Guinea. They may have been brought over by Aboriginal people.
c) Why are there no dingoes in Tasmania?
Because Bass Strait became inundated with sea about 14 000 years ago (before the arrival of the dingo)
d) Which animal is the likely ancestor of dingoes?
The Indian Plains Wolf
e) What does it mean for dingoes as a species if they interbreed with domestic dogs? Is this positive or negative for dingoes?
This will result in fewer pure breed Dingoes. It could mean the extinction of pure breed dingoes.
Bonus question
How are the reproductive strategies of the Echidna (and Platypus) different to all other mammals?
Echidnas and Platypus are egg-laying mammals called monotremes.
Did you know Tasmanian echidnas vary from their southern cousins. They have less quills (spikes) and more fur to survive the cooler climate.
