Download Genetic Drift Activity

Genetic Drift Activity
• This simulation, like evolution itself, is based on random
events. You will be able to
1.
2.
3.
understand that random events are a driving force of
evolution
visualize how genetic drift affects diversity in a population
realize the unpredictable nature of evolution
• To complete this Genetic Drift Simulation you need the
– “Worm Worksheet”
– 5 different colored pencils
– dice
In the above examples, the populations of worms are not evolving--neither the
genotypes nor phenotypes are changing. For evolution to occur, there must be
mutation, selection, or random genetic drift.
There needs to be diversity!! Mix up the gene pool.
In real life, some individuals have more offspring than others--purely by chance. The
survival and reproductions of organisms is subject to unpredictable accidents. It
doesn't matter how good your driftworm genes are if you get squished by a shoe
before producing offspring
6-sided die will determine
how many offspring each
worm has. (If it lands on 6,
re-roll the die.)
7. Then draw a line after your fixed allele generation and begin again
5
6
7
8
9
Discussion Questions
1. Explain why there is no point in adding more generations after all
the worms are one color (when an allele has become fixed)?
2. At a population of 5, what is the mean number of generations until
an allele becomes fixed?
3. If the population was increased to 10, would the mean number of
generations until an allele becomes fixed increase or decrease?
Explain why.
4. What is the mathematical relationship between population size
and the number of generations it takes for an allele to become
fixed?
5. Compare your answers with your classmates. Does the
mathematical relationship between the number of generations
and the time for an allele to become fixed apply to different
population sizes?
6. What did you like least about this activity?
7. What did you like best about this activity?