The Benefits of Biodiversity

First, students toss coins to determine what traits a set of mouse parents possess, such as fur color, body size, heat tolerance, and running speed. Next they use coin tossing to determine the traits a mouse pup born to these parents possesses. These physical features are then compared to features that would be most adaptive in several different environmental conditions. Finally, students consider what would happen to the mouse offspring if those environmental conditions were to change: Which mice would be most likely to survive and produce the next generation? Objectives include: u2022Using mice as an example, students will be able to explain why not all of the offspring born to a population will survive into adulthood. u2022Students will be able to explain why a diversity of characteristics within a population is beneficial to the population, even though not all of the individuals will be well adapted to the environment at any given time.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

After this activity, students should be able to:

Using mice as an example, explain why not all of the offspring born to a population survive into adulthood.
Explain why a diversity of characteristics within a population is beneficial to the population, even though not all of the individuals are well adapted to the environment at any given time.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Understanding

Interdisciplinary opportunities:

Engineering Connection:
Probability and statistics are just a few of the tools used in engineering. This activity explores concepts studied by genetic scientists as well as biomedical and environmental engineers.

Helpful Hints

Materials
Each group needs:

1 penny
The Benefits of Biodiversity Handout, one per student
Student Data Sheet , one per student

References

Contributors:

Virginia Cooter

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation