The making of the fittest: Natural selection in humans
Publication Date:
March, 2012
Type of Resource:
Video/animation
This online resource looks at an example of natural selection in humans.
The two linked resources concerning sickle-cell anaemia are suitable for use with Year 10 students.
- The short film, The making of the fittest: Natural selection in humans, which describes how Dr Allison discovered the link between sickle-cell disease and resistance to malaria, and that the protection against malaria by the sickle-cell mutation shows how evolution does not necessarily result in the best solution imaginable but proceeds by whatever means available.
- The activity 'Testing a hypothesis' is a worksheet designed to actively engage students as they watch the film.
Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S10U01 (Year 10)
Additional Information
These resources are produced by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The activities vary in complexity and therefore teachers are able to select those most appropriate for their needs.
Related resources
Sickle cell disease and selection—a simulation (https://www.stem.org.uk/elibrary/collection/3693)
Australian Curriculum:
- Year 10 > Science Understanding > Biological Sciences > The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living... > ACSSU185
- Year 10 > Science Understanding > Biological Sciences > Transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next... > ACSSU184
- Year 10 > Science as a Human Endeavour > Use and influence of science > People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims,... > ACSHE194
- Year Senior Secondary > Science Understanding > Biological Sciences
- Year Senior Secondary > Science as a Human Endeavour > Use and influence of science
