Instructions: As you complete each slide of the Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity, please fill in this lab report with the appropriate information and data.
Title:
Include your name, instructor’s name, and the name of the lab
Objective(s):
What is the purpose of the lab
Hypotheses:
Include the if/then statement you developed during the virtual lab.
Variables:
Materials:
The Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity
Natural Selection Virtual Lab Report
Procedures:
The procedures are listed in Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity. You do not need to include them here.
Data and Observations:
Table 1: Rabbits in the light-colored environment
Generation Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits
1
2
3
4
5
Table 2: Rabbits in the dark-colored environment
Generation Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits
1
2
3
4
5
Data Analysis:
Part 1: In your data tables, you recorded the percentage of the rate of survival for both the white and brown rabbit in both the light-colored and the dark-colored environments.
Part 2: Using your percentages in part 1, create a graph that represents the rate of survival for the white and brown rabbits in each type of environment.
Insert chart [Hint: don’t forget to consider the relationship between your data and the type of graph to best represent your data. A bar graph would be the best option to analyze this data.]
Conclusion:
Include the following as a summary paragraph in the conclusion of your lab report:
Analysis of the results of the experiment
Using Table 1, which color rabbit had the higher rate of survival in the light-colored (white) environment? Explain why this occurred.
Using Table 2, which color rabbit had the higher rate of survival in the dark-colored (brown) environment? Explain why this occurred.
Look at your data for both environments. Which color of rabbit seemed to camouflage best overall? Explain your answer using data.
Rationale for the support or rejection of the hypothesis
Questions:
Using what you have learned from the lesson and the virtual lab activity, answer the following questions in complete sentences.
How did the colors of each type of prey affect its population size over time?
How do you predict the data would change if you continued? Explain your answer.
What traits could help a predator be more "fit" to survive in each environment? Be specific.
Describe other adaptations besides color that could affect an individual's survival.
Explain what will happen if there are not enough resources to support the individuals in a species.
This experiment tested natural selection. What could be another possible mechanism of evolution for the rabbits to evolve? Be specific.
Title: Natural Selection Virtual Lab Report
Name: [Your Name]
Instructor: [Instructor's Name]
Lab: Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity
Objective(s):
The purpose of the lab is to observe and analyze the effects of natural selection on rabbit populations in different environments.
Hypotheses:
If the color of the rabbits matches the color of the environment, then their rate of survival will be higher compared to rabbits that do not match the environment.
Variables:
- Independent Variable: Environment color (light-colored or dark-colored)
- Dependent Variable: Rate of survival for white rabbits and brown rabbits
Materials:
- The Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity
- Natural Selection Virtual Lab Report
Data and Observations:
Table 1: Rabbits in the light-colored environment
Generation Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits
1
2
3
4
5
Table 2: Rabbits in the dark-colored environment
Generation Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits
1
2
3
4
5
Data Analysis:
Part 1: In part 1, we recorded the percentage rate of survival for both white and brown rabbits in light-colored and dark-colored environments.
Part 2: Based on the percentages from part 1, a bar graph will be created to represent the rate of survival for white and brown rabbits in each type of environment.
Conclusion:
Analysis of the results of the experiment:
- In the light-colored environment, white rabbits had a higher rate of survival compared to brown rabbits. This occurred because white rabbits were better camouflaged in the light-colored environment, making them harder for predators to spot.
- In the dark-colored environment, brown rabbits had a higher rate of survival compared to white rabbits. This occurred because brown rabbits were better camouflaged in the dark-colored environment, making them harder for predators to spot.
- Based on the data in both environments, white rabbits seemed to camouflage better overall as they had a higher rate of survival in the light-colored environment.
Rationale for the support or rejection of the hypothesis:
The results support the hypothesis that rabbits with colors matching their environment have a higher rate of survival. This is because matching the environment increases the chances of avoiding predation due to enhanced camouflage.
Questions:
1. How did the colors of each type of prey affect its population size over time?
The colors of each type of prey affected their population size over time by influencing their rates of survival. Rabbits that matched the color of their environment had higher survival rates and therefore were more likely to reproduce, leading to an increase in their population size.
2. How do you predict the data would change if you continued? Explain your answer.
If we continued collecting data over more generations, we would expect the rates of survival for the rabbits that matched their environment to remain relatively high, resulting in a continued increase in their population size. On the other hand, the rates of survival for rabbits that did not match their environment would likely remain low or decrease, leading to a decrease in their population size.
3. What traits could help a predator be more "fit" to survive in each environment? Be specific.
In a light-colored environment, predators with lighter fur or feathers would be more fit to survive as they would be better camouflaged and have an easier time sneaking up on their prey. In a dark-colored environment, predators with darker fur or feathers would be more fit to survive as they would be better camouflaged and have an easier time ambushing their prey.
4. Describe other adaptations besides color that could affect an individual's survival.
Other adaptations that could affect an individual's survival include physical characteristics such as speed, agility, and endurance, as well as behavioral traits such as the ability to hide or mimic other organisms.
5. Explain what will happen if there are not enough resources to support the individuals in a species.
If there are not enough resources to support the individuals in a species, competition for those resources will increase. This competition can lead to lower survival rates and reduced reproductive success, which may result in a decrease in the population size of the species.
6. This experiment tested natural selection. What could be another possible mechanism of evolution for the rabbits to evolve? Be specific.
Another possible mechanism of evolution for the rabbits to evolve could be genetic drift. Genetic drift is the random change in allele frequencies in a population over time. It can occur due to chance events, such as natural disasters, that result in the loss or gain of certain alleles within a population. Genetic drift can lead to changes in the genetic makeup of a population and can contribute to the evolution of new traits.