ERIC Number: EJ785686
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jan
Pages: 4
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-7685
EISSN: N/A
CRITTERS! A Realistic Simulation for Teaching Evolutionary Biology
Latham, Luke G., II; Scully, Erik P.
American Biology Teacher, v70 n1 p30-33 Jan 2008
Evolutionary processes can be studied in nature and in the laboratory, but time and financial constraints result in few opportunities for undergraduate and high school students to explore the agents of genetic change in populations. One alternative to time consuming and expensive teaching laboratories is the use of computer simulations. We developed an individual-based computer model with a chromosomal/gene-based inheritance scheme, mutation, meiosis with recombination, environmental complexity, population size effects, and resource availability. This simulation provides opportunities to study evolution on a number of realistic phenotypic characteristics that may be used for an inquiry-based learning laboratory.
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Learning Laboratories, Genetics, Evolution, Science Instruction, Heredity, Inquiry, Undergraduate Students, High School Students, Secondary School Science, College Science
National Association of Biology Teachers. 12030 Sunrise Valley Drive #110, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-406-0775; Tel: 703-264-9696; Fax: 703-264-7778; e-mail: publication@nabt.org; Web site: http://www.nabt.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A