Winter 2005 Biology 100/Peter Chen Name: ___________________
In this lab, you will use a computer simulation to track a population of organisms as they evolve under two factors: MUTATION and SELECTION.
  • Simulation web site: http://biologyinmotion.com/evol/
  • Perform 2 sets of simulations of 4 trials each.
  • Click RESET, then SETTINGS to set Selection Strength and Mutation Rate.
  • Click DATA after each trial to see data from the trial.
  • The columns show phenotype counts of 1 through 4 segments.

    SIMULATION A: 4 trials of different Mutation Rate.

    SIMULATION A
    TRIAL 1  Selection Strength: .8
    Mutation Rate: 0     		 TRIAL 2  Selection Strength: .8
    Mutation Rate .2 
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________

    SIMULATION A
    TRIAL 3  Selection Strength: .8
    Mutation Rate: .5     		 TRIAL 4  Selection Strength: .8
    Mutation Rate: 1.0  
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________











    SIMULATION B: 4 trials of different Selection Strength.

    SIMULATION B
    TRIAL 1  Selection Strength: 0
    Mutation Rate: .3     		 TRIAL 2  Selection Strength: .5
    Mutation Rate .3 
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________

    SIMULATION B
    TRIAL 3  Selection Strength: .8
    Mutation Rate: .3     		 TRIAL 4  Selection Strength: 1.0
    Mutation Rate .3 
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________
    Phenotypes of Creatures
    Cyc
    les    		 # with 1 segment # with 2 segments # with 3 segments # with 4 segments
    1         
    2         
    250        

    Mean Phenotype __________

    Number of "up" mutations __________

    Number of "down" mutations __________

    QUESTIONS:

    1. Describe how the simulation models natural selection (and evolution).






    2. Explain HOW and WHY Mutation Rate affects the evolution of your population?






    3. Explain HOW and WHY Selection Strength affects the evolution of your population?