NY Science Standards (HS - Inheritance and Variation of Traits)

Use a model to illustrate cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis should be on the outcomes of mitotic division and cell differentiation on growth and development of complex organisms and possible implications for abnormal cell division (cancer) and stem cell research.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include specific gene control mechanisms or recalling the specific steps of mitosis.]

Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis should be on the distinction between coding and non-coding regions of DNA.]

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. [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.]

Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the use of mathematics to describe the probability of traits as it relates to genetic and environmental factors in the expression of traits.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include Hardy-Weinberg calculations.]

Use models to illustrate how human reproduction and development maintains continuity of life. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on structures and function of human reproductive systems, interactions with other human body systems, embryonic development, and influences of environmental factors on development.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the details of hormonal regulation or stages of embryonic development.]