Natural Selection Lab Evolutionary Report PDF

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Summary

White and brown rabbits in both light environments and dark environments. See how natural selection takes place among the populations....

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Natural Selection Lab Report 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: Catherine James, Natural Selection Lab Objective(s): I believe the purpose of this lab is to identify different types of evolutionary adaptations and be able to explain ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity. Hypotheses: If I investigate the environment with snow, then I will observe an increase in the population of white rabbits over time.

Variables: Materials: 1. The Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity 2. Natural Selection 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 1 2 3

Rate of Survival for White Rabbits

Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits

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: Be sure to answer the following reflection questions in the conclusion of your lab report:   

Were your hypotheses correct or incorrect? Why or why not? 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.

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? What color rabbit seemed to camouflage the best in this snow habitat and why? What color rabbit seemed to camouflage the best in the summer habitat and why? 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? 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....