Student Author Name:
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Lab Assignment #:
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Lab Assignment Title: Natural Selection Experiment
Date: 2016-01-28
Background
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Charles Darwin originally discussed natural selection as the process in which individuals with
favorable inherited traits are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully. Furthermore, Darwin
stated that the theory of natural selection would be observable in nature because a species will
evolve over many generations to better adapt to the environment
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Charles Darwin, Origins of Species, 1859
Natural selection can be broken down into two subcategories.
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Differential Survival
▪ This subcategory states that survival is based upon adaptation and that survivors
of a predatory attack post-acquire said adaption.
▪ An adaptation is defined as a characteristic that is genetically derived.
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Differential Reproduction
▪ This subcategory states that survivors of a predatory attack will contribute its
genes to the net population.
Survival of the fittest is important in any environment (UnityandDiversity.ppt).
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If some inheritable traits are advantageous, these will accumulate in a population over time
providing variation. This will increase the frequency of individuals with these traits
(UnityandDiversity.ppt).
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A large amount of variation can be produced through sexual reproduction or a mutation.
Purpose / Objective(s):
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To observe an in class experiment of natural selection through the use of test and analysis given
multiple environments and different factors affecting survival rate.
To visualize environmental capacity along with the natural effects on the organisms within the
environment.
To observe organismal survival and reproduction rate as environmental pressures come into play.
Hypotheses:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
No dramatic effects will occur to the species initially due to the organisms being visually camouflaged
into the first environment.
The green dot species will have the best chance of survival amongst the other organisms within the
first environment, because of its ability to blend so well into the primary color; The primary color of the
first environment is nearly an exact match to that of the green dot species.
Throughout the experiment, the species with the ability to blend best into the environment and are
scattered intelligently should have a higher rate of survival within the forecast projection over time.
Within the second environment, the green dot species and purple dot species are expected to receive
a low rate of survival and a decrease in their numbers juxtaposed to their environment.
To observe and test the theory of natural selection as provided by Charles Darwin.
Subjects / Specimens / Materials:
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240 small, colored paper dots were used to visually represent the organism of different species;
Each color represented a different gene.
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40 Teal paper dots
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40 Purple paper dots
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40 Orange paper dots
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40 Yellow paper dots
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40 Green paper dots
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40 Pink paper dots
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Two different colored, patterned mats, selected and provided via the instructor, were used to
serve as an environment for the population (green background mat and a maroon colored
background mat with patterns)
Multiple cups for the containment of species not actively used; one cup per species.
One cup for predator use, marked the death cup.
Two outside peers to act as predators.
The excel spreadsheet, provided by the instructor through canvas, is used to record calculations.
Refer to Table #7 for visual examples of materials used during the in-class experiment
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Methods:
1.
2.
3.
6.
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Small green, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and teal paper dots were used to represent the different
species within the environment. Each species comprised of 40 dots, led to the formation of six
different sets which then in turn represented a population.
Spread 20 dots of each species on the given environment sporadically or strategically; one’s own
judgement should be used for this step.
A predator, another peer from a different group, will prey upon the population by picking off dots and
submitting them into a marked death cup. This event will occur for no longer than one minute each
time it occurs throughout the generations.
4. The predators by generation are as follows:
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Generation 1: 1 predator, 1 claw (hand), 1 organism per pick
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Generation 2: 1 predator, 2 claws (hands), 1 organism per pick per claw
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Generation 3: 2 predators, 1 claw (hand), 1 organism per pick
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Generation 4: New Environment and flicker of lights to deter predators – 2 predators, 2
claws (hands), 1 organism per pick per claw
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Generation 5: Natural Disaster – Take a playing card and plow in a straight path across
the environment to simulate this event.
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Generation 6: Number of species left.
5. After the predatory attack, members of the group will then count the survivors. From this data,
calculate the surviving couples and their respective offspring that would continue on to the next
generation.
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Calculate the quantities of each species of the next generation:
▪ Surviving Couples: take the greatest even number of survivors and divide by two.
• example: surviving count = 17
16 ÷ 2 = 8 couples to produce offspring.
▪ Offspring: multiply the amount of couples by two.
• example: couples = 8
8 x 2 = 16 offspring
▪ The Next Generation: surviving count in addition to the total amount of offspring.
• example: 17 + 16 = 33 starting count
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A species can never exceed a starting count of 40 organisms. Any organism that is
created past the 40 count will be taken out of the environment and returned to their
respective holding cup.
After calculations are complete, begin the next generation in accordance with the predatory guideline.
Repeat the cycle until calculations to begin generation six are complete.
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8.
For generations 6-12 create a forecast projection.
Refer to Table #8 for a summary of each generation accompanied by in-progress visuals.
Results: Tables
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Table #1 summarizes: Generation 1 Data
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Table #2 summarizes: Generation 2&3 Data
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Table #3 summarizes: Generation 4 Data
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Table #4 summarizes: Generation 5 & 6 Data
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Table #5 summarizes: Generation 1-6 Summary Data
Results: Figures (Charts, Graphs)
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Figure #1 summarizes: Column Chart of Species Population X Generation
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Figure #2 summarizes: Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations
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Figure #3 summarizes: Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations, Forecasted to 12
Generations
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Figure #4 summarizes: Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations Displaying Trendlines
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Figure #5 summarizes: Line Graph Forecasting Population % over 12 Generations
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Figure #6 summarizes: Percent of Survival with the changes of environment
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Figure #7 summarizes: Average Growth Rate with the changes of environment
Analysis / Discussion: Tables
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Table #1 Displays the data for the first generation of this experiment from the raw data. The first
generation began with 20 dots of each gene experimented with ( the colors Teal, Purple, Pink,
Orange, Yellow, and Green.) The experiment began with 1 Predator, 1 Claw and the results were
as follows: Deaths ranged from as low as 1 death for yellow to as high as 8 for purple, and
second highest being green at 7 deaths..
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The highest deaths being purple because the color gene was not most optimal in the
environment where the majority of mat was green. The particular purple gene became
more visible to the predator.
Yellow death count is the lowest amount due to the distraction of purple being the primary
target during the during of the feeding time.
Green, despite being the most suitable for this type of environment, was the second
leading deaths in this statistic. This is due to the placement of the gene (they were too
close/bunched up together and so when the organisms were caught, they were mostly
eaten together). But it will be shown, in the next generation how drastically it changes
when the green gene adapts to it placing strategy.
The resulting of these deaths, left with Yellow having the highest amount of survivors and
Purple having the lowest.
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Table #2 Displays the data from Generation 2 & 3. In this part of the experiment, it is observed
that green has drastically improved its survival rate by its adaption to placement most scattered
apart and blending in with its surroundings more naturally.
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Purple, which was previously lead the death count, has also adapted its placing strategy
and out of 24 dots there were only 3 deaths. A significant increase in survivability
strategies.
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Out of 25 dots on the mat there were only five deaths for green and it can also be shown
in the next generation (generation 3)
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Table #3 Displays the data from Generation 4. Now, the experiment had a change in the
environment (now: maroon mat.) In this Generation, it is observed that the most deaths are purple
(21 deaths) and blue (21 deaths). This due to the organism’s sudden lost of suitability to its
environment, it becomes nonoptimal and the population suffers.
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Table #4 Summarizes the Generation Data of 5 & 6. In the hypothesis, it was assumed that within
the second environment Purple and Green would suffer the most number of casualties, which in
this data can be shown was true.
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Table #5 Shows the Generation Data for all 6 of the tested Generations. From the graph, it is
observed that Orange was the gene that was able to max out it’s offspring population more times
than any of the other organism, making it the most successful overall within this experiment.
Analysis / Discussion: Graphs and Line Charts
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Figure #1 Shows a graph of species population vs. generation. In this chart, it’s a visual
representation that examines the population through each generation. In this figure, all organisms
begin with a population of 20, and offsprings were introduced with every generations of survivors.
From this graph, it can be observed in G3 that the top thriving organisms were teal, purple,
orange, yellow, and green. But as situations changed certain organisms were being eliminated
heavily such as purple, by G5 its population count reduced drastically in the 20’s.
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Figure #2 Summarizes: Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations.
○ From the graph, it can be seen that all organisms were growing steadily in population
count during Generation 1 & 2 until around Generation 3.
○ Many were able to max out their offspring count except Yellow, Purple, and Pink. But the
other three - green, teal, and orange have maxed out their count (meaning they reached
over 40 couples).
○ Orange was the strongest trait, maxing out through Generations 2 - 6.
○ Purple was the weakest trait of this experiment, nearly going extinct by Generations 4
and 5.
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Figure #3 Displays a Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations, Forecasted to 12
Generations.
○ In this graph, the data is being forecasted to 12 generations, and from observation it can
be shown that overall in the future all organisms will thrive fairly equally, with the
exception of purple.
○ It can be predicted that by generation 15 these organisms will have leveled out and reach
its population capacity somewhere between the range of 40 to 50 population and purple
leveling out around the range of 30.
○ These statements about the trendline are only true if the conditions of this experiment
stay the same.
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Figure #4 Shows a Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations Displaying Trendlines.
○ This is a closer look at the 6 generations followed by a trendline, the same case as the
last graph.
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Figure #5 Line Graph Forecasting Population % over 12 Generations.
○ This graph displays the decreasing population percentage over 12 generations. The
populations will dwindle towards extinction shown in percentage. It can be said that the
organisms teal, pink , orange, and yellow will be able to sustain life through these
experiment’s environment, but the same does not go for purple or green where it can be
seen the trend lines are steep into low 3 to 1 % by generation 12.
○ It can be forecasted that by G13-G14 green will have become extinct and purple is
estimated to go extinct around G16-G17 by this data.
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Figure #6 Summarizes: Percent of Survival with the changes of environment.
○ In this graph it can be observed that the colors Teal, purple, orange, yellow, and green
had a change rate of 100 percent, with pink the only color at a lower percentage of
around 80% in Generations 3 to 1. However in the case where the environment was
changed in generations 6 -4 the data was drastically changed, the numbers became
completely opposite where every other color was either close to 0% to below into the
negatives except!, pink. This is believe to be caused by the change in the environment
where suddenly the inherited trait of the color purple was now suitable for the new
environment and it was better camouflage to survive. Next over, the third column chart
there is an overall data collection for all tested generations. Overall it can be shown that
in the end of the experiment pink, orange, and green were the fittest survivors for this
examination.
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FIgure #7 Summarizes: Average Growth Rate with the changes of environment.
○ This column chart describes the Growth Rate of the organisms in three parts.
○ By examining the first set of columns it can be seen that the average growth rate is
mostly equal across all different organisms except pink where it slightly lower than the
rest. It can be believed that the reasoning for this is because pink was not as well suited
for the first tested environment (green background mat) pink stood out more.
○ In the second case, it is shown similar to the first case, how the data takes and drastic
turn around, where everything else is suddenly losing it’s ability to grow, again this is
believe to be at the fault of the environmental change, where pink is suddenly suited for
the new condition.
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In the last case of this chart, it is displayed the overall average growth rate across all
generations, but still it is shown that pink, orange, and green were expected to have a
higher growth rate of all other organisms.
Conclusions / Further Considerations:
After the completion of this experiment, the knowledge gained is integral in the field of biology.
This experiment simulates natural selection at a basic level in a laboratory setting to teach a simple
understanding and how this theory can be applied to a wide variety of scenarios. The theory of natural
selection can be applied to:
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Endangered species living within wildlife preserves. A variation of animals within a
preserve can lead to competition for resources. After observation over time, a base case
can be created to forecast or provide an explanation for the fluctuation in population
numbers. A species can be marked for isolation for its protection with this data or
possibly moved to a better environment where it can thrive.
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Business. An experiment can be conducted to calculate the success rate of a business
and a projected forecast of daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly profit . Outside factors can
affect the business over time as well and can be factored into the base case of this
application. Better business models can be made to help a business thrive and adapt to
deter possible threats with this data..
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The Survival Rate of Plants. In reference to a previous experiment scheduled to take
place over multiple weeks within the course, natural selection can be applied and used to
calculate the rate of survival given different types of soil. Sterile soil versus commercial
soil can have different varieties of microorganisms living within them that can either
contribute or deter the health of selective plants. Through observation one can monitor
the rate of growth through comparison across different species as well.
While this experimentation can provide important information such as timeframe, rates of survival,
and explanation for a fluctuation in counts, there are still important questions that the data cannot account
for.
● For example:
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To what extent can this experiment be expanded? Are there limitations to how small or
how large the field of observation can be?
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Since this experiment was performed on a very basic level, what faults does the
experiment have?
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What can be classified as “bad data” if any?
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Prior to the experiment taking place, what can be considered important information to
keep in mind or should the experiment be conducted with a blind eye?
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How can this type of experimentation be done in a more efficient manner?
This knowledge and data from natural selection experimentation will dictate the course of action
for those conducting the research. Given that the experiment was done correctly, a researcher now has
the ability to make better informed decisions in regards to the well-being of the subject. Usually the data is
observed in the perspective of life, “What will become advantageous to the species and promote
survival?” This data can also be observed in the opposite perspective of death for when a species will fall
to extinction. It is expected of Researchers, which are given the impression by many to promote a high
survival rate and successful reproduction with this knowledge and data.
ATTACHMENTS
Summary / Formal / Conclusive Results / Tables, Charts, Illustrations
Table #1 Generation 1 (Environment: Green background Purple Shoe Pattern Mat)
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Table #2: Generation 2 & 3 (Environment: Green background Purple Shoe Pattern Mat)
Table #3: Generation 4 (Environment: Maroon background Patterned Mat)
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Table #4: Generation 5 & 6 (Environment: Maroon background Patterned Mat)
Table #5 Generation 1-6 Summary Data ( Both Environments: Green background purple shoe Patterned
Mat & Maroon Pattern background Mat )
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Started with 20, each generation added offspring to the number of survivors.
Figure #1: Column Chart of Species Population X Generation
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Figure #2: Column Chart of Species Population X Generation
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Figure #3: Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations, Forecasted to 12 Generations
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Figure #4: Line Graph of Population Count by 6 Generations Displaying Trendlines
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Figure #5: Line Graph Forecasting Population % over 12 Generations
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Figure #6: Percent of Survival with the changes of environment
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Figure #7: Average Growth Rate with the changes of environment
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Experimental Design – Subjects, Specimens, Materials and Methods Details
Table #7
Materials
Small Colored Dots
(Species)
Patterned Mats
(Environment)
Containment and
Death Cups
Table #8
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Procedure
Visuals
Generation One: Create Base Case
1. Spread chosen species
throughout the environment.
2. Contain inactive species in
cups.
3. Allow predatory attack in
accordance with guideline.
4. Calculate data.
Predator: 1 claw, 1 organism per pick
Species in Environment
Cups for Containment
Death Count
Calculations and Data
Generation Two:
1. Repeat prior steps with the addition of
offspring
Predator: 2 claws, 1 organism per pick
Species in Environment
Death Count
Calculations and Data
Generation 3:
1. Repeat prior steps with the addition of
offspring.
Predator: 2 Predators, 1 claw, 1 organism per
pick.
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Species
in
Environ
BIOSC 03 S 2016 11426 Natural Selection Experiment 160128
ment
Predator Attacks
Calculations and Data
Generation 4:
2. Repeat prior steps with the addition of
offspring and an environment change.
Predator: 2 Predators, 2 claw, 1 organism per
claw per pick.
Species in Environment 2
Predator Attacks
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Death Count
Calculation and Data
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References:
"Charles Darwin Biography." Bio.com. Ed. Biography.com Editors. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web.
29 Jan. 2016.
"Natural Selection." Virtual Lab. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_12/BL_12.html>.
O'Neil, Dennis. "Modern Theories of Evolution: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Model." Modern Theories of
Evolution: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Model. N.p., 2012. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.
"The What, Why and How of Change in Populations." Bio116 Assignment Hardy Weinberg. Murray State,
n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.
WIdger, David. "On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection By Charles Darwin." Gutenberg.
Ed. Sue Asscher. N.p., 22 Jan. 2013. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.
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