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

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.