Exploring Natural Selection and Evolution
Exploring Natural Selection and Evolution
Students will explore the principles of natural selection and evolution by using the PhET Natural Selection simulation. They will observe how environmental factors, genetic variations, and mutations influence the survival and reproduction of rabbits in different habitats.
Access the Simulation:
Go to the following link to access the PhET Natural Selection simulation: PhET Natural Selection Simulation
Explore the Simulation:
Spend 15-20 minutes exploring the different settings and variables within the simulation. Familiarize yourself with the controls and observe how changes in the environment affect the rabbit population.
Guided Questions:
Use the simulation to answer the following questions. Be sure to provide detailed explanations and screenshots where applicable.
(a) What initial traits do the rabbits have, and how do these traits affect their survival?
(b) How do changes in the environment (e.g., food availability, predators) influence the rabbit population?
(c) What happens to the population when you introduce a mutation? Describe the mutation you chose and its impact on the rabbits.
(d) How does the concept of "fitness" apply to the rabbits in the simulation? Provide examples from your observations.
(e) Describe the process of natural selection as demonstrated in the simulation. How do the traits of the population change over several generations?
Experiment with Different Scenarios:
Conduct at least two different experiments by adjusting the environmental variables and introducing mutations. Document your process and results for each experiment.
(a) Experiment 1: Impact of Predators on Rabbit Population
(b) Experiment 2: Effect of Genetic Mutations on Rabbit Population
Reflection:
Write a reflection (200-300 words) on how the simulation helped you understand the principles of natural selection and evolution. Discuss any surprising findings or insights gained during the experiments.
Submit Your Work:
Create a Google Doc or Slides presentation summarizing your answers to the guided questions, experiment results, and reflection.
To understand how the presence of predators affects the natural selection process in a rabbit population.
Environment: Grassland
Rabbit Traits: Normal (brown fur), without any initial mutations
Predators: None
Introduce a Predator:
After observing the initial conditions for a few generations, introduce a predator (e.g., wolves) into the environment.
Observe Changes:
Monitor the rabbit population over several generations. Pay attention to changes in the population size, the survival rate of different traits, and any shifts in the dominant traits.
Record Data:
Take screenshots at key points to illustrate the changes in the rabbit population before and after the introduction of predators.
Note down observations about which traits help the rabbits survive better with the presence of predators.
RUN THE SIMULATION FOR AT LEAST 30 GENERATIONS (if the rabbits don't die out).
To explore how genetic mutations can introduce new traits into a population and how these traits affect the population’s survival and reproduction.
Environment: Grassland
Rabbit Traits: Normal (brown fur), without any initial mutations
Predators: None
Introduce a Mutation:
Introduce a genetic mutation such as white fur or long teeth.
Change Environmental Conditions:
Introduce a new environmental factor such as a snowy landscape to see how the white fur mutation impacts survival in this new condition.
Alternatively, keep the environment the same but introduce a food source that can be accessed more easily with long teeth.
Observe Changes:
Monitor the rabbit population over several generations. Observe how the new traits (mutations) affect survival and reproduction.
Compare the survival rates of mutated rabbits to non-mutated rabbits in the changed environment.
Record Data:
Take screenshots at key points to illustrate the changes in the rabbit population with the new mutation.
Note down observations about the impact of the mutation on the population’s fitness and survival.
RUN THE SIMULATION FOR AT LEAST 30 GENERATIONS (if the rabbits don't die out).
Be detailed in your observations and analysis. Use the simulation to explore various scenarios and gather as much data as possible to support your conclusions. Discuss how these experiments illustrate the principles of natural selection and evolution.