Tag: genetics
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Multiple Allele Traits in Rabbit Coat Color
Students practice genetics of multiple allele traits as they study coat colors in rabbits: black, chinchilla, Himalayan, white.
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The Genetics of Tortoiseshell and Calico Cats
Explore the genetics of tortoiseshell and calico cats with students. Includes worksheets for students to practice sex-linked genetic crosses.
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How Did the Cardinal Get His Red Feathers (CER)
Based on a study from Nature that examines the role of enzymes in red coloration. Enzyme pathway converts yellow carotenoids into red ketocarotenoids.
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Practice Punnett Squares with Skinny Pigs
“Skinny Pig Genetics!” Hairlessness in guinea pigs is a recessive trait. Students practice Punnett squares with this simple worksheet.
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Mutations and Evolution in Aquatic Mammals
Students examine a phylogenetic tree that reveals mutations found in aquatic mammals as evidence of convergent evolution.
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Case Study: Dogs, SNPs, and Patellar Luxation
Students learn how a genetic polymorphism (SNP) is associated with a common problem in chihuahua dogs where their patella slips out of position.
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Tasmanian Devil Karyotype (Remote Version)
Examine a karyotype showing the chromosomes of a Tasmanian devil. Arrange chromosomes and determine diploid number.
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Corn Chi Square (remote)
This is the remote version of a classroom activity I do with corn ears. Students would count the kernels (smooth, wrinkled, purple, yellow) and determine if the ears of corn are the result of a dihybrid cross, RrPp x RrPp. This gives students the opportunity to apply statically analysis to data sets and determine if…
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Genetic Crosses in Rabbits (Remote)
Students learn how to do Punnett squares with two traits by practicing completing 4×4 squares.
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Genetics Practice (Remote)
This worksheet was modified from a popular (and long-standing) worksheet where students practice genetics crosses: Simple Genetics Practice Problems. This version was created for remote learning during the 2020 pandemic. It is similar to the printout students would normally use, but in the case, I used inserted tables in Google docs to set up the…
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Genetics Practice Problems with Google Slides
For students who are learning remotely, genetics lessons that involve Punnett squares and probability may be challenging. In a traditional class, I would give students small whiteboards and we would practice doing crosses together. I could circulate around the room to help students who are struggling, and they could help each other. Plus, they love writing…
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Population Genetics in a Fishbowl
Students learn about Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium by exploring a virtual population of koi fish. This virtual lab allows students to run experiments where they can change variables, like population size, migration rate, mutation rate, and fitness of two separate alleles. The alleles being studied control the coloration of the fish. Fish can either be white, gold,…
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Speciation Modes on
This activity was designed for students during the COVID-19 pandemic and is intended to be completed individually at home. The lesson explores the two models of speciation: allopatric and sympatric. You can also assign a simple print version that explores speciation modes. Students first read about allopatric speciation and apply it to the finches on…
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Bear, Species, & DNA
This activity was created during the Covid-19 pandemic for students to complete at home using the interactive explore at Learn.Genetics. The activity is probably best for 2nd year biology students or AP Biology, but it could potentially work with first year students. The questions aren’t hard, but the concepts can be difficult to grasp. The…
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Genetics – Lop Ears
This worksheet allows students to practice doing genetic crosses that involve two traits. The first problem has the 4×4 Punnet square already set up. Once they fill out the square, they determine how many of the bunnies have floppy or long ears, and how many have black or pink noses. Note, these genetic traits are…