Download Darwinian Pangaea

Darwinian Pangaea
This lab/activity is played like a game. Each table is assigned 2 different environments. They roll dice to
discover the possible adaptations for their creature. Will the adaptations help your creature survive in
their new environment, or are they destined for extinction.
The Creature:
The voltrix is a species of rodent living in Pangaea 65 million years ago. They are the size of a large rat
with medium length, brown fur. They have medium size claws, are diurnal (active in the daytime) and
live up to three years of age. They eat seeds from grasses, occasional fruit and berries, and supplement
their diet with occasional insects and nuts. The voltrix does not hibernate, but often inhabits the
burrows of other creatures to escape predators. They have small litters of 2-3 offspring once a year.
The Habitat:
The voltrix lives on Pangaea where there are many grasslands, and a temperate climate. Over thousands
of years, Pangaea begins to break apart and various ecosystems are created as the continents drift to
various latitudes and are separated by mountain chains and water. Soon distinct ecosystems form, and
the voltrix finds itself living in very different environments.
Environment #1 – Grassland with several species of fruit trees and berries. The climate is temperate.
Several species of burrowing animals inhabit the region. The main predator is a wolf-like nocturnal
creature.
Environment #2 – Tropical rain forest. Numerous ground predators. Several small species of snakes
inhabit the trees. Numerous species of fruit trees that bear fruit at different times of the year.
Environment #3 – Taiga with long, cold winters. Short summers deliver plenty of grass in meadows.
Numerous diurnal predatory birds.
Environment #4 – Desert environment with diurnal predatory birds. Very little grass, but numerous
nocturnal, burrowing insects.
Environment #5 – Temperate forest with numerous ground predators. Many trees provide various
species of nuts, and berries are common in the summer. Thick tree canopies allow very little ground
light.
Environment #6 – Grassland with no known species of burrowing animals. Birds of prey and small,
ground predators common. Ample food supply, but numerous predator species make a challenging
environment.
Available gene mutations: most die young on Pangaea. May prove useful in new environments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Albino with white fur (difficult to hide in grasslands)
Excessive long claws (difficult to handle small grass seeds)
Large ears (lose too much heat in temperate or cold environment)
Large eyes (form cataracts in diurnal creatures)
Large litters (too little mother’s milk unless huge amounts of food available)
Skin fold from elbow to waist (makes it difficult to run quickly)
To play the game:
Each table is assigned two new environments for the Voltrix to adapt. They roll the dice twice for each
environment to see what new traits the voltrix may receive to enhance its adaptation. On a separate
piece of paper please write down the two environments, and the dice thrown with its gene mutations.
Decide if the new adaptations will allow the Voltrix to adapt, or if the Voltrix will become extinct in the
new environment.
Table Assignments:
Table A – Environment #1 and 2
Table B – Environment #2 and 3 Table C – Environment # 3 and 4
Table D – Environment #4 and 5
Table E – Environment #5 and 6 Table F – Environment #1 and 6
Table G – Environment #2 and 4
Table H – Environment #3 and 5 Table I – Environment #4 and 6
Example: Environment #2 is a rainforest with many ground predators and tree snakes. Fruit is available
most of the year. If you roll a 4 the Voltrix receives large eyes, and if you roll a 5 the Voltrix receives
large litters. Would these traits be an advantage for this particular environment? Why or why not?
Assuming some of the Voltrix would be born with the new traits, and some with the original traits,
would the Voltrix survive in the new environment, or would it go extinct? Explain your answer.