Natural Selection
This Shockwave interactive activity allows students to experiment with populations of butterflies, finches, and mice. Students can control some variables in the experiment to observe how different traits affect predator-prey interactions. Explanations are given for the results of each experiment. Human impact on populations is discussed.
This activity directly relates to the learning expectations associated with natural selection and adaptation. In each population (finches, butterflies, and mice) different adaptations and their evolutionary advantages are explored. Students are guided into understanding how different traits can be an advantage, a hindrance, or both for different organisms under different conditions.
Weblink address (URL):
Originator:
eduToolbox® is a resource-sharing portal developed by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation with collaborative support and funding from the Tennessee Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education's Math & Science Partnership program.
