evolution game post lab questions
1. The average camolflouge and visual accuity both increased over time. The average predator score increased from 5 to 7.6. The average camolflouge score rose to 6.7 from 5 and reached a peak of 7.4.
2. The element of chance was seen in our data. From one round to the next instead of increasing the camolflouge score actually decreased drastically from round 5-6. In nature chance can be found everywhere. A few examples are environmental changes that can cause drastic changes in the population of animals or animals developing traits that are not helpful to survival for several generations due to random mutations.
3. With a larger population size the element of chance would not be so prevalent. The statistics theory of regression to the mean applies in a sense in this case. With chance, there is always volatility. But over time (more time more likely), chances are that statistics will even out to a reasonable number instead of a number that can be considered an outlier. With a larger population the element of chance would be less prevalent because of the larger sample size.
4. Extinction is much more likely for a small population because there is a much better chance of all the organisms inheriting negative traits randomly. With a small population there is less of a chance for the species to survive because if a few of the organisms developed negative traits then it would be much more devastating to a smaller population that a larger one.
2. The element of chance was seen in our data. From one round to the next instead of increasing the camolflouge score actually decreased drastically from round 5-6. In nature chance can be found everywhere. A few examples are environmental changes that can cause drastic changes in the population of animals or animals developing traits that are not helpful to survival for several generations due to random mutations.
3. With a larger population size the element of chance would not be so prevalent. The statistics theory of regression to the mean applies in a sense in this case. With chance, there is always volatility. But over time (more time more likely), chances are that statistics will even out to a reasonable number instead of a number that can be considered an outlier. With a larger population the element of chance would be less prevalent because of the larger sample size.
4. Extinction is much more likely for a small population because there is a much better chance of all the organisms inheriting negative traits randomly. With a small population there is less of a chance for the species to survive because if a few of the organisms developed negative traits then it would be much more devastating to a smaller population that a larger one.
evolution game graph
evolution game chart
lesson 7 inquiry and research
(1) Define the following concepts and relate them to Darwin's Theory: decent with modification; survival of the fittest; natural selection; random genetic mutations.
Decent with modification: Decent with modification is another way of saying evolution, and it means that through generation, offspring will differ from their parents.
Survival of the fittest is when certain organisms survive better than others because they have adaptations that are more advantageous to their environment, and so they can survive and reproduce in greater numbers.
Natural selection is the process of survival of the fittest taking place. When natural selection takes place, the organisms that are not as well suited to their environment die off and the ones that are better adapted will survive and reproduce.
Random genetic mutations are the mechanism of natural selection. When an organism's DNA randomly changes, this mutation may be helpful and will make the organism more fit. This organism will then reproduce more than others, and the adaption will eventually spread through the entire population.
(2) How would Darwin define progress in terms of adaptation and evolution?
An adaptation is the changing of an organism to suit its environment. These come in the form of random genetic mutations, so it seems like progress is random. But in fact, evolution and natural selection say the opposite. Survival of the fittest works by the best adapted organisms survive, while less adapted organisms dies. This process, known as natural selection, is not random, so thus, progress is the mixture of random changes and selected organisms working towards the ideal organisms. However, environments constantly change, so there will never be a perfectly adapted organism.
(3) Where does Darwin position human beings in his scheme of evolution? What implication does his theory hold for society?
Human beings, according to Darwin, are in the middle of evolving. As a species, we are not done evolving, although we are close. We are constantly changing to be better adapted. This means there is no perfect person, so although people are constantly put down for being different, there is no perfect person so everyone is different. Human beings are still evolving, as well as all the other organisms on the planet.
(4) Does Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggest an optimistic or a pessimistic view of the world?
Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggests an optimistic view of the world because it means organisms on earth are constantly changing for the better. The surviving and reproducing organisms will always be fitter than their parent generation which means life on earth is constantly changing to be as good as it can possibly be.
Decent with modification: Decent with modification is another way of saying evolution, and it means that through generation, offspring will differ from their parents.
Survival of the fittest is when certain organisms survive better than others because they have adaptations that are more advantageous to their environment, and so they can survive and reproduce in greater numbers.
Natural selection is the process of survival of the fittest taking place. When natural selection takes place, the organisms that are not as well suited to their environment die off and the ones that are better adapted will survive and reproduce.
Random genetic mutations are the mechanism of natural selection. When an organism's DNA randomly changes, this mutation may be helpful and will make the organism more fit. This organism will then reproduce more than others, and the adaption will eventually spread through the entire population.
(2) How would Darwin define progress in terms of adaptation and evolution?
An adaptation is the changing of an organism to suit its environment. These come in the form of random genetic mutations, so it seems like progress is random. But in fact, evolution and natural selection say the opposite. Survival of the fittest works by the best adapted organisms survive, while less adapted organisms dies. This process, known as natural selection, is not random, so thus, progress is the mixture of random changes and selected organisms working towards the ideal organisms. However, environments constantly change, so there will never be a perfectly adapted organism.
(3) Where does Darwin position human beings in his scheme of evolution? What implication does his theory hold for society?
Human beings, according to Darwin, are in the middle of evolving. As a species, we are not done evolving, although we are close. We are constantly changing to be better adapted. This means there is no perfect person, so although people are constantly put down for being different, there is no perfect person so everyone is different. Human beings are still evolving, as well as all the other organisms on the planet.
(4) Does Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggest an optimistic or a pessimistic view of the world?
Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggests an optimistic view of the world because it means organisms on earth are constantly changing for the better. The surviving and reproducing organisms will always be fitter than their parent generation which means life on earth is constantly changing to be as good as it can possibly be.