Natural Selection and Evolution of Rock Pocket Mouse Populations

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

This Natural Selection and Evolution of Rock Pocket Mouse Populations activity also includes:

Can evolution repeat itself? Scholars analyze amino acid data in two separate populations of mice. They learn that evolution repeats itself, but natural selection prefers some mutations over others in different environments. Analysis questions require applying knowledge as well as higher level thinking skills.

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CCSS: Designed NGSS: Designed

Concepts

amino acids, gene expression, evolution, genetic drift, mutation, natural selection, protein

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

Discuss other examples of the same mutation happening in different animal populations
Review amino acids coding proteins in depth prior to the lesson

Classroom Considerations

Relies on prior knowledge of evolution, mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection

Pros

Designed for Common Core standards, Next Generation Science Standards, AP® standards, and IB standards for biology
Adapts easily from independent work to small group discussions