Evolutionstechnik or Selection and Variation in the Egyptian Origami Bird (Avis papyrus)


Source Institutions

Source Institutions

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In order to examine the random nature of mutations and natural selection, learners "breed" clutches of Egyptian Origami Birds (Avis papyrus) using random number generators (dice and coins) to mutate several genetic loci: anterior and posterior wing position, wing width, and wing length. The birds are then "released." Only those birds which can fly the furthest survive to produce offspring. After several generations, learners usually note a significant increase in flight distance and duration. In a second experiment, different groups of learners study separate sub-populations of Egyptian Origami Birds, which experience different selection pressures. Details of Origami Bird anatomy, breeding and selection, are in the learner instructions and associated graphic.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes

Learning Time:
2 to 4 hours

Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18

Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


  • Instructions
  • Paper
  • Tape (clear or masking)
  • Straws (non-bending are best)
  • Six-sided die
  • Copper or other metal
  • Binary random number generator (i.e. a penny)

Subjects


  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Biodiversity
    • Evolution
      • Evidence for Evolution
      • Mechanisms of Evolution
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • Patterns of Heredity
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
      • Circles
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories


  • Animals
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Nature and Environment

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Westerling, Karin

Rights: