Student Exploration:Natural Selection
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: biological evolution, camouflage, Industr
...
Student Exploration:Natural Selection
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: biological evolution, camouflage, Industrial Revolution, lichen, morph, natural selection, peppered
moth
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
The peppered moth (Biston betularia) is a common moth found in
Europe, Asia, and North America. It is commonly found in two forms, or
morphs: a dark morph and a light, speckled morph. Birds are a frequent
predator of the peppered moth.
1. Which morph do you think would be easier to see on a dark tree
2. Which morph do you think would be easier to see on a light tree
Gizmo Warm-up
The Natural Selection Gizmo allows you to play the role of a bird feeding on
peppered moths. The initial population of 40 moths is scattered over 20 tree
trunks. Click on moths to capture them. Click the Next tree button (or the
spacebar on your keyboard) to advance to the next tree.
1. Check that LIGHT TREES is selected. Click Play ( ), and hunt moths
for one year.
C. Camouflage is coloring or patterns that help an organism to blend in with the background. Which
2. If a forest contained mostly light-colored trees, which type of moth would you expect to be most common?
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Name: Justin Sharp Date:
trunk? The Lighter Morph.
trunk? The Darker Morph.
A. How many dark moths did you capture? 5
B. How many light moths did you capture? 4
type of moth is better camouflaged on light bark? The Lighter Moths.
The Lighter Moths.Introduction: Before the 19th century in England, the air was very clean. The bark on trees was usually light in
color. Abundant lichens growing on tree trunks also lightened their appearance.
Question: How does the color of a peppered moth affect survival?
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