Evolution Online Simulations
Name:______
Peppered Moth Simulation
http://www.techapps.net/interactives/pepperMoths.swf
What is the scientific name of the peppered moth?
What two variations of the peppered moth exist?
Describe the lifecycle of the Peppered moth (why not draw it out). Don´t forget to include timings!
How and why did the gene frequency of the peppered moth change from the 1800s to the 1900s?
Who was Kettlewell and what did his experiments demonstrate?
Evolution Lab
In this lab, you will use a computer simulation to track a population of organisms as they evolve. You will take data on the
number and varieties of the organisms and graph them to show change over time and determine how two factors:
MUTATION RATE and SELECTION STRENGTH affect how populations evolve.
Instructions
1. Go to http://www.biologyinmotion.com/evol/index.html
2. Read the introduction and the contents to learn about the imaginary creatures you will be studying and how to operate
the simulator. You may also want to look at the help link.
3. Open the simulator and practice using the controls before you go on to the real simulation. Be sure to "reset" the
simulator when you're finished practicing.
The Simulation
1. The purpose of this simulation is to determine how the mutation rate affects the
evolution of your population. You will need to run 4 trials with varying settings
for mutation rate.
2. Fill out the Data Table (scroll down to the end of this document)
3. Create a graph using Excel.
4. You will have 4 lines on your graph.
5. The X-axis will be cycles, and the Y will be mean phenotype.
6.
Analysis
1. Describe how the simulation models natural selection (and evolution).
2. Explain HOW the mutation rate affects the evolution of your populations
3.Explain WHY the mutation rate affects the evolution of your populations
Evolution Simulation Data Table
Selection Strength Constant at .8
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
Mutation Rate: 0
Mutation Rate: .2
Mutation Rate: .5
Mutation Rate: 1.0
Cycles
Mean
Phenotype
Cycles
Mean
Phenotype
Cycles
Mean
Phenotype
Cycles
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
250
250
250
250
Mean
Phenotype