Journal of Biological Education,
Volume 43, Number 3, Summer 2009.
Reviewed by: Jean Wilson,
Biozone is a widely used series of educational resources. In the latest edition two of the modules focus on evolution. Jean Wilson, head of Science at Blackpool & the Fylde College and a member of the JBE Editorial Board, reviews their usefulness to both students and teachers.
Evolution
Version 2.0@2005·6
BPM-EV-021-5005
Price: £74.95
265 slides
This CD-ROM includes three sets on the following topics: Population Genetics, Evolution, and The Origin of Life. They can be accessed in Keynote™, QuickTime Player™, PowerPoint™ and PDF, depending on whether the user wishes simply to view and project a slideshow, customise the material, or print hard copy.
In common with other titles in this library, EVOLUTION provides a wide range of information and activities to promote sound understanding. There are also adequate instructions on installation, use and licensing at the end of each set of slides.
Biozone's Presentation Media is intended for use on digital projectors and interactive whiteboards when connected to a computer. Overhead transparencies may be created in monochrome or colour, using laser or inkjet printers. The screens may be easily edited in PowerPoint when there is a need to customise them for specific users. Thus they are primarily an aid to teaching in the mode of full class lecture and debate.
The same approach to sequenced learning is adopted here as in other CDs in the series - and it works exceptionally well in these three sets. Good graphics are offered first on each screen, followed by graduated text without any distractive clutter. Specific terms are highlighted in bold type. The progression through each topic is logical, clear and economically presented. There is always the option of ranging through the sequence to select subjects according to individual needs, so overriding the given order of work.
Population Genetics
This set (61 slides) covers: standard Mendelian genetics with direct reference to populations; a basic introduction to the Hardy-Weinberg theory with solutions to a variety of problems; genetic drift; 'bottlenecks' (cataclysmic events); founder effect; assortative mating; modes of natural selection; and types of selection (including artificial selection). The material in this set dovetails well into a variety of syllabuses - it could be used as review material or as examination revision.
The Origin of Life
The treatment of this topic (55 slides) is not confined to biology, as one would expect. It ranges through background geological issues, the solar system, panspermia, steps in the origin of life - including the evolution of cells - and issues arising from space exploration.
Evolution
This set (148 slides) begins with definitions of evolution and macroevolution. This is followed by a mass of material centred on palaeontology, embryology, homologous and analogous structures, vestigial structures and biogeographical, biochemical and immunological evidence. There is great deal of information on the various theories and their authors. Further concepts include types of speciation; divergent and convergent evolution; punctuated evolution; gradualism; novel features; homeotic genes; Evo-Devo; the genetic toolkit; adaptive radiation; diversity; and mass extinction. It ends with the forces operating on evolution. The examples used are many and varied – and there are no repeats!
Altogether an excellent and effective example of this multimedia approach to learning. Usefulness to student: 
Usefulness to teacher: 
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