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Home → Teach Evolution → Lessons and Teaching Tools → Teaching Resources Database → Allele and phenotype frequencies in rock pocket mouse populations

Allele and phenotype frequencies in rock pocket mouse populations

Grade Level(s):

  • 9-12
  • 13-16

Source:

  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Resource type:

  • Classroom activity

Time: One or two class 50-minute periods

Overview

This video and worksheet use real rock pocket mouse data collected by Dr. Michael Nachman and his colleagues to illustrate the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

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  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 9-12] There is a fit between organisms and their environments, though not always a perfect fit. (LS4.C)
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 13-16] There is a fit between organisms and their environments, though not always a perfect fit.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Evolution results from selection acting upon genetic variation within a population. (LS4.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection acts on the variation that exists in a population. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Natural selection is dependent on environmental conditions.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Over time, the proportion of individuals with advantageous characteristics may increase due to their likelihood of surviving and reproducing. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Depending on environmental conditions, inherited characteristics may be advantageous, neutral, or detrimental.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Environmental changes may provide opportunities that can influence natural selection. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Evolution is often defined as a change in allele frequencies within a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] The Hardy-Weinberg equation describes expectations about the gene pool of a population that isn't evolving, that is large, mates randomly, doesn't experience mutation, natural selection, or gene flow.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Evolution results from natural selection acting upon genetic variation within a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Natural selection and genetic drift act on the variation that exists in a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Natural selection acts on phenotype as an expression of genotype.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Over time, the proportion of individuals with advantageous traits may increase (and the proportion with disadvantageous traits may decrease) due to their chances of surviving and reproducing.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Depending on environmental conditions, inherited characteristics may be advantageous, neutral, or detrimental.
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.B: Natural Selection
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.C: Adaptation

Answers to the worksheet are readily available online, so if this is a concern, you may wish to do the activity in class.