I did this lab experiment below and I am stumped this question:given the current warming trend of our planet, over time (generations of parents and offspring) what do you predict will happen to the species of wooly worms?
THE WOOLY WORM HUNT is an exciting "game" where the students are the Predators, hunting the great (and desirable) wooly worm. The class is given 60 seconds to pick up as many colored wooly worms as possible from the 1400 worms scattered across the Prep's front lawn. The 14 varieties vary with colors like white, neon pink, yellow, peach, teal, green and brown. Some varieties survive the onslaught of the dreaded "grey shirt" while others are hunted to near extinction. To test the hypothesis that there is preference for particular colors and that the wooly worms are not picked up randomly we use Chi Square analysis. This of course illustrates with greater than 99.5% certainty that earth tones are selected for and bright colors are selected against. The students are then asked to suppose that these are live, reproducing organisms and to predict what upcoming generations of wooly worms would look like. A really fun and interesting way to teach about Natural Selection
Wooly Worm Lab • The Chi Square Test:
If the wool pieces are collected randomly, then the number of each color collected should be nearly equal. Thus, a null hypothesis may be proposed that states that there will be no significant difference in the number of each color of yarn collected. If this null hypothesis is not supported by the data, then selection of some colors over others must occur. You use the chi square test to test this null hypothesis by comparing the number of each color of yarn expected to be collected against the number that is actually collected. The chi square value calculated from the formula is a measure of the variation from the expected values. The closer the expected and observed values, the smaller the chi square value will be and the more likely that the data is the result of random choice. Once you get your chi square value, you can use this number to estimate the probability that the null hypothesis is acceptable, i.e. that the wool was collected randomly without color preference. If the null hypothesis is unacceptable then the selection of some colors over others must have occurred. To get the probability look on the chi square distribution chart in the row with the correct degrees of freedom (# of colors
I really do not know the answer and I'm trying to think of a possible one..would the amount of worms better adapted to their environment increase because of the warmer climate?
From the example given, a more logical conclusion is that there is a difference in predation, some colors are easier to spot and catch. If they are on a lawn, I would predict that the white and neon pink might be much easier to detect and catch than the brown and green.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Based on the information provided, it appears that the wooly worm population is subjected to selection based on color preference by the predators. The Chi Square analysis showed that earth tones are selected for, while bright colors are selected against.
Given the current warming trend of our planet, it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen to the species of wooly worms over time. However, it is possible to make an educated guess based on the information provided.
If the predators continue to prefer earth tones and avoid bright colors, it is possible that the wooly worm population may experience a shift in color distribution over time. Individuals with earth tones may have a higher chance of survival and reproduction, leading to an increase in the frequency of earth-toned wooly worms in future generations. On the other hand, individuals with bright colors may have a lower chance of survival and reproduction, resulting in a decrease in the frequency of bright-colored wooly worms.
This prediction is based on the assumption that the color preference of the predators remains consistent and that there are no other environmental factors that may influence the survival and reproduction of the wooly worms. It is important to note that natural selection is a complex process, and many other factors can also affect the evolution of a species. Therefore, further research and observations are required to make more accurate predictions about the future of the wooly worm species.
To predict what will happen to the species of wooly worms over time, we need to consider the current warming trend of our planet. One way to approach this question is to think about the potential effects of the warming trend on the characteristics and survival of wooly worms.
Here are the steps to predict what will happen to the species of wooly worms over time:
1. Consider the characteristics of wooly worms: Wooly worms have different colors and varieties, including white, neon pink, yellow, peach, teal, green, and brown. In the given lab experiment, it was found that earth tones (such as brown and green) were selected for, and bright colors were selected against (shown by the chi square analysis). This suggests that there might be a preference for certain colors among predators (students in this case).
2. Understand the impact of the warming trend: The warming trend of the planet can affect various aspects of the environment, including temperature, habitat availability, and food sources. It is important to consider how these changes might influence the survival and reproductive success of wooly worms.
3. Hypothesize potential effects: Based on the information provided, it is possible that the warming trend could lead to changes in the environment that affect the survival and selection of wooly worms. For example, if the warming trend leads to a decrease in vegetation or changes in the availability of certain food sources, wooly worms with colors that blend in with the changing environment (such as brown or green) might have a higher chance of survival compared to those with brighter colors.
4. Consider natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their adaptive value. If the warming trend continues, wooly worms with colors that provide better camouflage in the changing environment might have a higher chance of survival and reproducing. Over generations, this could lead to a higher proportion of wooly worms with earth tones in the population.
5. Predictions: Based on these considerations, one prediction could be that over time, there might be a gradual increase in the proportion of wooly worms with earth tones (such as brown or green), as they have a higher chance of survival and successful reproduction in the changing environment. On the other hand, wooly worms with bright colors might become less common or even decline in number if they are selected against due to reduced survival rates.
It is important to note that this prediction is based on the given information and hypothesis about color preference and the potential effects of the warming trend. To obtain more accurate and specific predictions, additional research and data would be necessary.