Teaching & Learning Resource Pilot
Echidna Ancestors Swam With Platypuses
News in Science / Environment and Nature (22 Sep 2009) National Curriculum: Year 10 Subjects: Science
This article is a report on the work of a number of Australian scientists related to the evolution of the Echidna and its genetic link to the Platypus. The scientists use DNA analysis to suggest that the Echidna was once an aquatic animal and is more closely linked to the Platypus than previously believed.
Format: Reference Material
Segment run time: 3 – 5 minutes reading time.
Last reviewed: 17/06/2010
Year level: Year 10
Relevance:
Curriculum strands
Ideas of the world change as scientific theories and models develop. [S10SHE1]; Evolution by natural selection. [S10SU1]
Assumed prior learning
Some knowledge of the structure and function of DNA, genes and chromosomes and some knowledge of the theory of evolution through natural selection.
Suggestions for using this resource
- as an introduction for students in Year 10 to research the common characteristics of the current Echidna and the Platypus
- as a stimulus for students to research and compare the appearance of homologous structures of the Echidna and Platypus over time using fossil and other secondary evidence
- as a context for students to evaluate the impact of using DNA profiling on understanding the evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms
- as a stimulus or introduction to topics related to natural selection and the biodiversity of animals
- for Year 10 students to provide a context for deeper understanding of the theory of evolution.
Related resources
National Film and Sound Archive, Australian Screen and titles: documentaries: Echidna the survivor
Video at http://aso.gov.au/titles/documentaries/echidna-survivor/clip3/
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