Cladograms

Teaches that building an evolutionary family tree requires distinguishing traits inherited from a common ancestor from traits that evolved independently in similar environments — a distinction that cannot be made from observable data alone.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Subject Area Biology
Grade Band 9-10
Technology Tool CODAP
Class Time Estimate 2
Data Science Focus
  • 9-10.C.2.3a Describe associations between two categorical variables using measures such as difference in proportions and relative risk.
  • 9-10.C.5.2a Construct and analyze models to represent linear and non-linear relationships in data.
  • 9-10.C.5.2b Use technology to create, test, and refine models.
  • 9-10.C.5.2c Evaluate and improve models by comparing predictions to observed data.
Standards Alignment
  • HS-LS4-1
  • HS-LS4-2
Prerequisites Basic understanding of evolution, classification, common ancestry, and traits; reading a data table; using CODAP with guided instruction.
Version 1.0
Date Created July 7, 2026
Last Updated July 7, 2026