https://virtualbiologylab.org/population-genetics/
Lab Overview
This lab uses the Virtual Biology Lab Population Genetics simulation to explore how genetic factors, such as mutation, selection, genetic drift, and gene flow, impact allele frequencies within populations. By simulating different population conditions, students gain insight into evolutionary processes and how these forces shape genetic diversity over generations.
Learning Objectives
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, students will:
- VCSSU120: Investigate genetic variation in populations and how it contributes to evolution by natural selection.
- VCSSU121: Explain how genetic information is transferred and how it influences population dynamics.
By the end of this lab, students should be able to:
- Describe the impact of genetic forces (e.g., mutation, selection) on allele frequencies in a population.
- Explain how genetic drift and gene flow contribute to genetic variation.
- Analyze how environmental factors influence allele frequencies and drive evolutionary change.
ACARA Digital Literacy Capabilities
- Interpret data: Making predictions and drawing conclusions from genetic simulations.
- Collaborate and exchange: Working with peers to discuss simulation results and implications.
Lab Instructions
- Access the Simulation: Virtual Biology Lab Population Genetics Simulation.
- Set Baseline Population Conditions:
- Begin by simulating a stable population with no mutations, selection, or gene flow to observe baseline allele frequencies.
- Investigate Mutation and Selection:
- Introduce mutations to the population and observe changes in allele frequencies.
- Add selection pressure (e.g., favoring one allele) and note the rate at which selected traits increase in the population.
- Explore Genetic Drift and Gene Flow:
- Simulate genetic drift by reducing population size and observing allele frequency changes due to random sampling.
- Introduce gene flow to observe how new alleles spread within a population.
Assessment Questions
- Describe how genetic drift affects allele frequencies in small versus large populations.
- Explain the role of mutation in generating genetic variation within a population.
- How does natural selection change allele frequencies over generations?
- Provide a real-world example of gene flow and discuss its impact on genetic diversity.
Teacher Notes
Integrating with Lessons:
- This lab fits well with units on genetics, evolution, and population dynamics, allowing students to visualize theoretical concepts through simulation.
- Encourage students to apply these principles to real-life examples, such as antibiotic resistance or the spread of genetic traits in isolated populations.
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may think mutations are always harmful; clarify that mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, depending on environmental context.
- Emphasize that genetic drift is a random process and distinct from selection, which is influenced by environmental advantages.
Extension Activities:
- Challenge students to design experiments with different combinations of genetic forces and analyze the results.
- Have students research case studies where genetic effects have significantly influenced populations, such as in conservation biology or invasive species.
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