Evolution and the Rock Pocket Mouse

worksheetThis worksheet was modified from the HHMI Activity on color variation in the rock pocket mouse.   It has been simplified from the original activity so that it is suitable for beginner biology students.

Students look at cards showing light and dark mice on different substrates.  (Cards can be printed and laminated for multiple uses.)   Students collect data on the number of mice phenotypes in each location and develop a hypothesis about the order of the cards.   Students also graph the color differences at each location to show how the dark variation increased over time in response to an environmental change. Students then watch the HHMI Video on pocket mice and answer discussion questions.

Throughout the activity, students learn concepts such as fitness, natural selection, mutation, and phenotype.

Grade Level:  8-10  |  Time Required:  45-60  minutes

[button-green url=”https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx72aSXCBO09b2lMQUczemRZM1E/view?usp=sharing” target=”_blank” position=”none”]Download[/button-green] [button-blue url=”https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R_tzWLzWO4TyvVvCad_ANHGBsUzuczCJUTU4-yYRipE/edit?usp=sharing” target=”_blank” position=”none”]Google Doc[/button-blue]

HS-LS4-1  Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence

HS- LS4-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment

26 Comments

  1. ace
  2. Admin
  3. Heather
  4. Admin
  5. Admin
  6. Admin
  7. Lynde Phillips
  8. Admin
  9. Donna Davis
  10. Admin
  11. karen
  12. Admin
  13. Gwendolyn Henry
  14. Admin
  15. Admin
  16. Admin
  17. Chrystie Ortega
  18. Admin

Leave a Reply