How the evolutionary tree branches over time forms the basis for biological classification. As our understanding of evolutionary history has improved, classification has gone from a two kingdom system (plants and animals) to five kingdoms (plant, animal, fungi, protist, and monera- the kingdom of procaryotic cells), the classification found in many biology textbooks. Molecular techniques have now clarified the early branching of life resulting in a useful new overview that splits life into three domains - Archaea (bacteria-like in appearance, but with different biochemistry), Bacteria, and Eucarya, the domain of organisms having cells with nuclei and membrane-bound organelles. This program introduces the three domains and focuses on the main events in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.

Topics: Early Cells, Domain Bacteria, Domain Eucarya, The Evolution of Mitochondria, The Eukaryotic Cell Evolves, Motor Proteins Get Cells Moving, The Invention of Sex, The Origins of Multicellular Organisms.

Includes: Student Learning Guide, notes on clarification & extension of concepts, vocabulary words hyperlinked to the glossary, quizzes for self-study, vocabulary, and concepts, hands-on research activities. Password-protected teacher section includes background, overhead templates, assessment tools, and answer keys.

31 minutes. Grade 10-14.