Humans and Apes

Part 1: Human or Ape? Analyze the images of the skull below using the Hominid Skull Comparisons Lab as a guide.

Where lived: East Africa

When lived: 4 million years ago Brain Cavity Size: 400-600 ml

Prompt: Is this skull more ape-like or human-like? Explain how you came to your answer using at least 5 pieces of evidence from your analysis.

Part 2: Humans and Ape Evolution Construct a scientific explanation that provides evidence to support your answer to the question: Do humans and apes have a common ancestor? Include at least three pieces of evidence from the following sources:

• Evidence for Evolution Graphic Organizer • Evidence for Evolution Text • Hominid Skull Comparisons Lab

Optional Sentence Frame: Humans and apes (do/do not) have a common ancestor.

Grading Rubric – Human and Ape Evolution 0 points 1 point 2 points Claim No claim; or claim

does not answer the question.

Argument takes a side and is accurate based on the data.

n/a

Evidence No evidence, or does not use evidence from a reliable data source.

Cites data from the approved sources, but not in the context of this prompt.

Cites reliable data from the approved sources, and uses scientific concepts correctly.

Reasoning No reasoning, or restates the claim without any reasoning.

Cites a reason for each piece of evidence, but it is inaccurate or doesn’t support the claim. Reasoning does not use scientific language or uses it inaccurately.

Cites scientifically accurate reasons using correct vocabulary and connects evidence to the claim. Shows accurate understanding of the topic.

Writing Style There are significant errors in writing that make it difficult to understand the message.

Writing is understandable, but there are errors that interfere with the overall message.

Writing is clearly written with few errors.