2/1 Biology Update and homework due 2/8

Hi folks,

Today we continued to focus on evolution with a great computer simulation that really helped to see evolution in action.

Here's the link to the simulation we used in class.

Here are the questions we answered using the simulation.

1.  Using the program, describe genetic drift.

2.  Describe what is happening as far as genetic drift goes.

3.  Using the creatures, describe evolution.

4.  What kind of selection is being displayed by this program (stabilizing, directional or disruptive)? Do the settings change this answer?

5.  What happens when you change the mutation rate?  Does the population become more "fit" faster or slower?

6.  What happens to the population when you increase the number of cycles.  (What do the cycles represent)?

7. What, in the real world, would effect the selection rate?

For homework I'd like you to compete this "web quest".  There are quite a few interesting and, dare I say it, "fun" things here to help you understand evolution even deeper than you do now.  (At one point it mentions "your text book".  Don't worry about that, they are using a different text than we do.)  If you do this properly it may take you longer than usual so be sure to allow some extra time.