Lizards in the Cold
Provided by: BioInteractive|Published on: October 15, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Biology, Mathematics
Authors: BioInteractive
Location: North America, North America > United States, North America > United States > Texas
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this activity, students learn about natural selection in populations by analyzing and interpreting two graphs showing how anole lizards adapt to extremely cold temperatures.
- The graphs are from a study in which scientists investigated how winter storms in Texas affected local populations of anoles.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The educator materials document contains labeled illustrations, background information, interpretation of the illustrations, and discussion questions.
- Students learn how to analyze data from a scientific illustration and understand how natural selection is impacted by climate change.
Additional Prerequisites
- The resource includes an educator guide and student handout in PDF format.
- The image of Texas and the two graphs are available to download as JPGs.
Differentiation
- For students needing additional guidance, the teacher could lead the discussion and help students develop observations and interpretations.
- Advanced students may be asked to write a paragraph on the relationship between extreme climate events, natural selection, and animal adaptation based on this resource.
- The teacher could ask students to complete a project in which they study another species affected by extreme climate events.
- Other resources related to the topic include the video Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience and the article 5 Plants and Animals Utterly Confused by Climate change.
The resource describes changes in evolution as a result of the cascading climate change impact. The graphs shows the distribution of lizards and the changes within a critical thermal minimum. There is no contradiction in the model; thus, this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
