MS - LS1B - Reproduction in Plants and Animals - FINAL (CLF 1-3-14)

Module: Reproduction in Plants and Animals

DCI: LS1.B (A) Animals engage in characteristic behaviors that increase the odds of reproduction.

DCI: LS1.B (B) Plants reproduce in a variety of ways, sometimes depending on animal behavior and specialized features for reproduction.

PE: MS-LS1-4 Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

[Clarification Statement: Examples of behaviors that affect the probability of animal reproduction could include nest building to protect young from cold, herding of animals to protect young from predators, and vocalization of animals and colorful plumage to attract mates for breeding. Examples of animal behaviors that affect the probability of plant reproduction could include transferring pollen or seeds, and creating conditions for seed germination and growth. Examples of plant structures could include bright flowers attracting butterflies that transfer pollen, flower nectar and odors that attract insects that transfer pollen, and hard shells on nuts that squirrels bury.]

There is very little to ask within the first content standard (A).  We can only provide examples of these characteristic behaviors and then ask why they might engage in them.  

There is more within the second standard (B).  Here, we can address the features of plant reproduction including animal behaviors and specialized features. 

Here are the ideas we see in both of these content standards: 

- animals engage in certain behaviors which increase the odds of reproduction

- sometimes, plant reproduction depends on animals

- plants have specialized features which allow for reproduction

To address the PE, we will have to provide some observation of a group of animals (or an individual animal or plant) and then ask the students to come to the conclusion that a certain behavior increased the odds for reproduction.  

Possible Question Starters

"Some students are observing the behavior of a male bird in the schoolyard.   Which of the following observed behaviors might increase the probability of reproductive success?"

- made several vocalizations 

- drank water from a puddle

- searched for seeds on the ground

- flew into a tree when a cat appeared

"The Arctium lappa plant produces prickly burrs that grow on the ends of the stems.  These burrs can easily catch on the fur of animals.  This plant structure most likely benefits the plant in which of the following ways?"

-keeps the plant warmer 

-allows for the dispersal of the seed