Canon Paleo Curriculum Unit: 3 Evolution Lesson Plan 10 (Page 4 of 4) in pdf

Canon Paleo Curriculum Unit: 3 Evolution Lesson Plan 10 Page 4

Table 1. Evolution in the Horse

Horse

Miohippus

Merychippus

Equus

Size

38CM

65CM

100CM

140CM

Type of

Swamp

dry

with

trees

grasslands

surroundings

dense forest

and dhrubs

QUESTIONS

1. What changes occurred in the surroundings of horses from Hyracotherium to Equus?

the land became drieer forest and heavy vegetation replaced by grasses

and plains

2. What change occurred in the shape of the horse from Hyracotherium to Equus?

early horses were small and had curved backs

todays horse are much larger with straight backs

3. What changes occurred in the size of the horse from Hyracotherium to Equus?

the height increased form 38 cm to 140cm

4. As the surroundings changed, what happened to the teeth of the horse?

the teeth become larger and flatter as adaptation to grazing

5. Describe the overall changes in foot length, number of toes, and size of toes in the horse

over time.

the foot increased in length, ankle bones decreased, Number of toes decreased, sign

of side toes became shorter than the central toe which became larger

How would natural selection have caused changes in the size, feet, and teeth of the horse?

adaptation to a change in the environment would have given an advantage to horses

that had them these horses would have had a greater chance of surviving that horses not

adapted.

Canon Paleo Curriculum Unit: 3 Evolution Lesson Plan 10 Page 4