Sex and the Single Guppy

The purpose of this activity is to analyze how guppy populations change over time. The simulation activity allows you to start with a pool of guppies and your choice of predators, you will be able to watch what happens to your guppy population and how the introduction of predators can affect the guppy's appearance. The simulation will help you understand what pressures drive guppy evolution.

*Activity adapted from PBS - http://www.pbs.org

Open the Guppy Sex Simulator!!!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/sex/guppy/ed_pop.html

Introduction:

1. If being flashy and colorful attracts predators, why do you think guppies are so colorful?



2. After viewing the guppy gallery, pick the fish you find most interesting. What is the fish’s scientific name, origin and average size? Describe the coloration of the fish you chose.




3. After viewing the predator gallery, pick the fish you find most interesting. What is the fish’s common name, scientific name, and origin?


4. View the guppy’s habitats, what habitat conditions would affect the predator populations?

 

 

Endler’s Discovery and Variations of Guppy’s in Pools

5. Who is John Endler? What did he study and where did he study it?


6. For each of the three stream areas, describe the guppy coloration:

Pool 1:

Pool 2:

Pool 3:


7. Develop your own hypothesis about guppy coloration. The hypothesis should answer the questions: Why do guppies in different areas of the stream have difference in coloration? (You can choose from the list on the simulation, or make up your own)

 

 

 

Guppy Simulation

 

% of Brightest Guppies
(10 generations)

 % of Bright Guppies
(10 generations)		 % of Drab Guppies
(10 generations)		 % of DrabbestGuppies
(10 generations)

Trial 1

Guppy: Even Mix
Predators: 30 Rivulus

        

Trial 2

Guppy: Even Mix
Predators: 30 Rivulus, 30 Acara

        

Trial 3

Guppy: Even Mix
Predators: 30 Rivulus, 30 Acara, 30 Cichlid

        

Trial 4

Guppy: Mostly Bright
Predators: 30 Rivulus

        

Trial 5

Guppy: Mostly Drab
Predators: 30 Rivulus, 30 Acara, 30 Cichlid

        

Summary

8. Describe how predators influence guppy coloration.



9. Was your hypothesis correct, use your data to justify your answer.



10. What does it mean that “male guppies live in a crossfire between their enemies and their would be mates”?




11. Why do you think guppies in different areas of the stream have different coloration?




12. What would happen to mostly drab guppies that were placed in a stream with very few predators?

 

13. What would happen to brightly colored guppies that were placed in a stream with many predators?