Evo-Dots Natural Selection Simulation

Evo-Dots Natural Selection Simulation Graphs and Questions are due______

Part I. How to hunt EvoDots. . . (you can do this from any computer with internet access) 1. Do a Google search for Evodots to find the website, or just type this URL: http://faculty.washington.edu/~herronjc/SoftwareFolder/EvoDots.html

2. If necessary, download the application by clicking on “Uncompressed Windows Application: EvoDots.exe”. You can either RUN or SAVE the application to your student account.

3. When the program opens, click on the small window with the “Evolutionary Analysis” textbook to make it disappear.

4. In the “Darwin’s Theory” window, click the “New Population” button, then record the number of EACH color dot in your population (for example, 9 reds, 7 yellows, 10 oranges, etc.)

5. Use the data table (on the back) to record number of each color dot that remains in the population.

6. Hit the RUN button and hunt dots until you catch 25 dots. Hit STOP button after 25 dots.

7. Record number of EACH color dot that remains in the population. Once data is recorded, hit the REPRODUCE button.

8. Hunt and record data at least 6 more times. (7 total generations) Make sure to keep accurate records of your data on the Evo-Dots data table (on the back of this sheet).

9. With a new population, UNCLICK “Heritable” and repeat your experiment with a new population. Remember to keep accurate record of your data. Again, do 7 or more trials.

10. If you have time, experiment with the “Mutation’s Role” window under “File Options. . .”

Homework Assignment: Graphs and Questions Complete the following in your logbook.

1. Create graphs that show how your populations of dots changed over time. You will need to make TWO graphs—one for the population when trait is heritable and one for the population when trait is non-heritable. Use a ruler and color to make your graphs. Make sure to include the following for each graph: title, axis labels, units, and a key.

2. Describe the trends in your graphs. Use specific data. What does each graph show about the change in populations of your Dot species? (At least 6 sentences per graph.)

3. What is the role of variation in natural selection?

4. Why do traits need to be heritable (passed from parent to offspring) in order for natural selection to work?

EvoDots Data Tables Title: EvoDots Simulation: Population Changes in Dot Population when Speed is Heritable Generation Black (1) Purple (2) Blue (3) Green (4) Yellow (5) Orange (6) Red (7) 0 Start 0 End 1 Start 1 End 2 Start 2 End 3 Start 3 End 4 Start 4 End 5 Start 5 End 6 Start 6 End 7 Start 7 End

Title: EvoDots Simulation: Population Changes in Dot Population when Speed is Not Heritable Generation Black (1) Purple (2) Blue (3) Green (4) Yellow (5) Orange (6) Red (7) 0 Start 0 End 1 Start 1 End 2 Start 2 End 3 Start 3 End 4 Start 4 End 5 Start 5 End 6 Start 6 End 7 Start 7 End