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About This Simulation
Dive into the evolution of whales: from a sequence of nucleotides to a 30-meter long blue whale.
Learning Objectives
- Use DNA sequencing and phylogenetic trees to identify an unknown creature
- Deal with common misconceptions about the theory of evolution
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About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- NGS
- Phylogenetic interpretation
Related Standards
- HS-LS4-1
- Biology 7.6 Evidence of Evolution
- Biology Topic 5: Evolution and biodiversity
Learn More About This Simulation
This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Evolution” simulation.
Explore the evolution of a sea monster! In this simulation, you will learn about evolution and next generation sequencing by researching the genetic sequence of a sea monster that has washed up on a beach. Follow the evolution of a single cell to a 30-meter long blue whale.
Visit the sea monster
Go meet the researcher Ponleu on a remote beach in Cambodia where a mysterious sea monster has been washed ashore. Take a blood sample back to the lab for analysis. Is the sea monster really what it seems?
Next generation sequencing
Use a next generation sequencing machine to analyse the genetic sequence of a sea monster and discover it’s evolutionary ancestry. Discover the analogous and homologous traits in different species, such as a human and a whale, by comparing their physical structures. Could a common ancestor be the cause of these structural similarities, or have these species evolved separately but a similar adaptation was required to survive? Compare the genetic sequence of the sea monster with that of different known sequences to identify the species the sea monster is closely related to: the blue whale!
Create a phylogenetic tree
Dive deeper into the genetics of the sea monster by using the genetic sequence of the sea monster to generate a phylogenetic tree. Explore the tree to learn about common ancestors and the most recent common ancestors of the whale. How did evolution help a small, four-legged land dweller to become the largest animal to ever swim the oceans?
Experience Labster for Yourself
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Related Course Packages
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Evolution: Identifying a deep sea creature
Dive into the evolution of whales: from a sequence of nucleotides to a 30-meter long blue whale.
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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Labster is hosted online, which means that students only have to login from their internet browsers once an account is created.
Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.
Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.
Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.