Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio Rubric

Question

Use this rubric as a guide in taking on the role of evolutionary biologist to study an imaginary alien species. You will apply your knowledge of evolution and model the lineage of this alien species in order to create characteristic tables and cladograms. This rubric lists criteria for each section of the lab report.

Characteristic Table 1 (4 points)

_____ The table accurately represents characteristics of species of Xenite. (2 points)

_____ All characteristics are included in the table. (2 points)

Teacher Comments:

Cladogram 1 (5 points)

_____The table of characteristics was accurately translated to the cladogram. (2 points)

_____ The Cladogram includes correct labels. (1 point)

_____ The design of the cladogram supports the sequential order of species of Xenite. (2 points)

Teacher Comments:

Characteristic Table 2 (2 points)

_____ The updated table correctly incorporates the new species of Xenite. (2 points)

Teacher Comments:

Cladogram 2 (5 points)

_____ The updated table of characteristics was accurately translated to the updated cladogram. (2 points)

_____ The Cladogram includes correct labels. (1 point)

_____ The design of the cladogram supports the sequential order of species of Xenite. (2 points)

Teacher Comments:

Explanations (4 points)

_____The explanation for the creation process of the updated cladogram is complete and accurate. (1 point)

_____Derived characteristics are correctly identified as homologies or analogies. (1 point)

_____The explanations for evolutionary history of the organisms shown by your tree are valid. (1 point)

_____The explanation for how you used new evidence to revise your cladogram is valid. (1 point)

Teacher Comments:

Total Points (___/20)

Answer 1

Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio Rubric Feedback

Characteristic Table 1 (4 points)

• The table accurately represents characteristics of species of Xenite. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Ensure that all characteristics reflect the biology of the Xenite species accurately based on your research. Look for any inaccuracies or missing features that may need to be adjusted.

• All characteristics are included in the table. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Verify that you have listed all the necessary characteristics. Consider whether additional traits that could influence the evolutionary relationships have been omitted.

Cladogram 1 (5 points)

• The table of characteristics was accurately translated to the cladogram. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Examine if the cladogram visually represents the data from your characteristic table. Check if all relationships are properly illustrated.

• The Cladogram includes correct labels. (1 point)
  Score: __/1
  Comments: Confirm that all labels on the cladogram are clear and correctly describe the species and their relationships.

• The design of the cladogram supports the sequential order of species of Xenite. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Assess if the structure of the cladogram logically indicates the evolutionary lineage. Consider a review of the branching patterns.

Characteristic Table 2 (2 points)

• The updated table correctly incorporates the new species of Xenite. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Ensure that the new species are seamlessly integrated into your existing table and that their characteristics are complete and relevant.

Cladogram 2 (5 points)

• The updated table of characteristics was accurately translated to the updated cladogram. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Review if your new cladogram correctly reflects changes made in the updated characteristic table.

• The Cladogram includes correct labels. (1 point)
  Score: __/1
  Comments: Double-check the labels to ensure they align with the updated information accurately.

• The design of the cladogram supports the sequential order of species of Xenite. (2 points)
  Score: __/2
  Comments: Evaluate whether the updates maintain or improve the clarity of evolutionary relationships.

Explanations (4 points)

• The explanation for the creation process of the updated cladogram is complete and accurate. (1 point)
  Score: __/1
  Comments: Your explanation should describe the methodology clearly, including any changes you made from the first cladogram.

• Derived characteristics are correctly identified as homologies or analogies. (1 point)
  Score: __/1
  Comments: Confirm that you are correctly distinguishing derived characteristics based on their evolutionary origins.

• The explanations for evolutionary history of the organisms shown by your tree are valid. (1 point)
  Score: __/1
  Comments: Your rationale should connect the evolution of the species logically and from an evolutionary standpoint.

• The explanation for how you used new evidence to revise your cladogram is valid. (1 point)
  Score: __/1
  Comments: Clearly state the new evidence and how it prompted the revisions to your cladogram. Justify any major changes.

Total Points (___/20)

Teacher Comments:
Overall, you've made an excellent start on this project. Be sure to pay attention to the details in your tables and cladograms, as these visually represent not only your understanding but also the evolutionary relationships of the species studied. Consider additional feedback and strive for clarity.