This model allows students to examine individual mice’s color over time. They may also compare the survival and reproduction of mice with different colors in a specific environment.
Grades: 6-8,
NGSS standards: MS-LS4-4
Embedded Files
HOW IT WORKS
HOW IT WORKS
Mice move around in the simulation window. Each time when one or a few mice are hunted, the same number of mice will be randomly chosen from the rest of the population to reproduce offspring. At a 90% chance, the offspring's color will be the same as the parents'; at a 10% chance, the offspring's color will mutate to a different shade of brown.
HOW TO USE
HOW TO USE
Input running time for the model
Choose an environment color and number of visual predators
Click “Start/Reset” to set up the model
Click “Label 2 mice” and then choose two mice in the simulation.
Click “Run/Pause” to run or pause the model. Use “Run a day” to run the model for a hypothetical day.
KEEP IN MIND
KEEP IN MIND
The mice in the simulation are not only subject to natural selection but also compete for food resources. Therefore, individuals with a color similar to the environment may die quickly at some points due to intraspecific competition.
CREDITS AND REFERENCES
CREDITS AND REFERENCES
This model is created by Dr. Lin Xiang at the University of Kentucky. If you mention this model in a publication, we ask that you include the citations below.
Xiang, L. (2023). Natural Selection Lesson 3: differential survival and reproduction. Department of STEM Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/.
Questions? Comments? Email us.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse