Evolution occurs though change over time, but can it go any faster? Scholars speed up the process of evolution and observe a simulation of 20 blue organisms fighting for survival. A graph displays the changes in phenotype over time. By controlling the selection strength and mutation rate, a better understanding of evolution becomes apparent.

Concepts

evolution, natural selection

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Select one of the discussion questions to assign as a writing prompt
• Discuss in more detail that some mutations are harmful while others are helpful
• Demonstrate how to use the settings and data tabs on the simulation page to make changes and learn more

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of evolution and natural selection

• This content requires Adobe Flash to view

Pros

• Allows for greater variation in a shorter time span than many other ways of observing evolution
• Explains how to export data and study it in more depth

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4