Learning Level
High School (9th - 12th)
Undergraduate
Duration
Class time: 30 - 40 minutes
Teacher preparation: 5 minutes
Next Generation Science Standards
HS-LS4-2 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual repro-duction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
HS-LS2-2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
Developer
Evolutionary Simulations in SLiM
Overview
To understand evolution, one cannot go out in nature and see species evolve in a reasonable timeframe. However, computer models can be used to understand how species evolve, how long evolution takes to occur, and what factors contribute to their evolution. A computer simulation tool called SLiM: An Evolutionary Simulation Framework allows users to create a genome and see how it evolves over time according to a number of factors. Students will learn how to use the program, and explore an evolving genome.