Understanding Evolution

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Understanding Evolution

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Breeding Bunnies

Grade Level(s):

  • 9-12
  • 13-16

Source:

  • WGBH

Resource type:

  • Classroom activity

Time: One class period

Overview

Students simulate breeding bunnies to show the impact that genetics can have on the evolution of a population of organisms.

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  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 13-16] There is a fit between organisms and their environments, though not always a perfect fit.
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 13-16] Some traits of organisms are not adaptive.
  • [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] There is variation within a population. (LS3.B)
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] The amount of genetic variation in a population may affect the chances of survival of the population; the less diversity, the less likely the population will be able to survive environmental change.
  • [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] Populations, not individuals, evolve.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 9-12] Traits that confer an advantage may persist in the population and are called adaptations. (LS4.B, LS4.C)
  • [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 13-16] Evolution is often defined as a change in allele frequencies within a population.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] Inherited characteristics affect the likelihood of an organism's survival and reproduction.
  • [Mechanisms of evolution: Grades 13-16] An individual's fitness (or relative fitness) is the contribution that individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation relative to other individuals in the population.
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS3.B: Variation of Traits
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.B: Natural Selection
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.C: Adaptation

9-12 teaching tips:
A rich class discussion will assist students in a deeper understanding of the concepts.

13-16 teaching tips:
Though developed for grades 9-12, this activity is quite appropriate for the undergraduate level and can be enhanced by connecting the activity to primary literature investigating a specific series of changes such as that found in the Grants' work on finches.