Evolution

Evolution is the change in inherited traits over time. There are five forces that can lead to evolutionary change; gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, natural selection, and sexual selection. Some of the virtual labs are inquiry-based, meaning that they allow students to develop and test their own questions through manipulation of variables. Others are more guided labs where students collect data following a structured process. Sample worksheets are available for classroom use.

The Arms Race simulation produces data to analyze a predator that has resistance to a prey species with high toxicity.

Bottleneck Event and Founder Effect both analyze specific genetic drift cases.

The Evolution: 10,000 simulation lets the user track the evolution of a fictional population over 10,000 years.

The Natural Selection simulation allows the user to play the part of a predator eating a prey species that has two color phenotypes. The user can run the simulation in three different environments.

The Mutation simulation is based on a bacterial mutagenesis lab. Students can study the effect that UV exposure time has on bacteria survival and mutation rates.

Population Genetics allows students to test how selection, population size, and mutation rates affect allele frequencies. This simulation is conducive to inquiry based virtual labs.

The Sexual Selection simulation explores the how a trait can influence survival and mate selection. This simulation allows for inquiry based activities.

Evolution

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