Life Science: Biology · Inheritance and Variation of Traits

HS-LS3-2Sources of Genetic Variation

Performance expectation

Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, (3) mutations caused by environmental factors and/or (4) genetic engineering.

What NYSED says about assessing it

Clarification statement

Emphasis is on using data to support arguments for the way variation occurs including the relevant processes in meiosis and advances in biotechnology.

Assessment boundary

Assessment does not include recalling the specific details of the phases of meiosis or the biochemical mechanisms of the specific phases in the process.

The three dimensions

Every item written to HS-LS3-2 has to assess all three dimensions together, not the content alone. This is the structural change that made older practice material stop matching the exam.

Science & engineering practice

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Disciplinary core ideas
  • LS3.B: Variation of Traits
Crosscutting concepts
  • Cause and Effect

Related performance expectations

Generate a cluster for HS-LS3-2

Phenomenon stimulus, connected items across the required types, answer key, rubric and figures drawn deterministically from a structured spec — in the format your students will sit.