Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

Four Factors of Natural Selection
Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.

Adaptation of Populations
Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait.

Natural Selection Leads to Adaptation
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

Environmental Change - Speciation and Extinction
Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.