The Birth and Death of Genes

The following classroom-ready resources complement The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes, a 13-minute film that describes how scientists have pieced together the evolutionary history of the Antarctic icefish by studying its genome. The icefish makes an excellent case study for genetic evolution as both the gain and loss of genes have led to key adaptations.

At A Glance Film Guide (PDF)
Student Quiz (PDF)
In-Depth Film Guide (PDF)

Hands-On Activity: Icefish Adaptations
Teacher Materials (PDF) Student Handout (PDF)
A simple activity that investigates the importance of antifreeze proteins to icefish survival. It includes background information and analysis questions that reinforce the main ideas of the film.
Appropriate for: middle school life science, high school biology (all levels)

Lesson: How Novel Icefish Genes Can Improve Human Health
Teacher Materials (PDF) Student Handout (PDF)
A lesson that requires students to read detailed scientific passages and explain how an understanding of specific icefish adaptations might lead to a treatment or cure for human disorders, such as osteoporosis and anemia.
Appropriate for: high school biology (all levels), introductory college biology

Lesson: The Molecular Evolution of Gene Birth and Death
Teacher Materials (PDF) Student Handout (PDF)
Student Slideshow (PPT)
An advanced lesson that describes the role of mutations in the birth and death of genes. It includes background information, examples, video clips, and animations. The accompanying questions challenge students to synthesize information and apply what they learn.
Appropriate for: high school biology (second year, AP, IB), advanced high school genetics elective, introductory college biology, college-level genetics

Demonstration: Viscosity of Icefish and Non-Icefish Blood
Teacher Materials (PDF)
A simple demonstration that uses readily-available materials to simulate how blood pumps through the circulatory system of icefish and other fish. An optional extension invites students to design an experiment to test further hypotheses related to icefish circulatory system adaptations.
Appropriate for: middle school life science, high school biology (all levels), introductory college biology

Demonstration: Ice Crystal Formation in Icefish and Non-Icefish Blood
Teacher Materials (PDF)
A dramatic demonstration that simulates how tiny ice crystals would form and grow in the blood of most fish if they ventured into the icy waters of the Antarctic.
Appropriate for: middle school life science, high school biology (all levels), introductory college biology