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About This Simulation
Dive into the evolution of whales! Follow the path of a gene from a rare mutation to being stuck in a population through natural disasters and competition.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how populations evolve by adapting to their environment
- Understand the basic mechanisms of evolution
- Understand the evidences of evolution as the foundation of biology
- Deal with common misconceptions about the theory of evolution
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About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
- Genetic drift
Related Standards
- High level content, may support HS-LS4-3
- Biology 7.2 Natural Selection
- 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 the whale! In this simulation, you will learn about evolution and population genetics by investigating the population of small wolf-like creatures on a virtual island. How did evolution help a small, four-legged land dweller, called the Pakicetus to become the blue whale, the largest animal to ever swim the oceans?
The island
Start with two Pakicetus on your virtual island. Watch as the population size grows exponentially and observe the genetics of the population over time. Discover what resources limit the island's population size. Use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to predict the allelic frequency in the population over multiple generations. Will the island remain a safe haven for the Pakicetus?
Population genetics
Explore the mystery of how the Pakicetus evolved into the large blue whale. A single mutation caused some of the Pakicetus to struggle to catch prey on land and led them to search for food on beaches in order to survive. Observe the new allele that remains at low levels in the population of the Pakicetus over multiple generations. Will this new allele prove useful for future generations?
Disaster strikes the island
The climate on the island changes dramatically as a drought strikes the island, and the Pakicetus are pushed from the land to the beaches. Watch as the population of Pakicetus with the new allele increases and the hunting style of the Pakicetus changes from land to water to fit this new world. How will further sudden disasters affect the allelic frequencies as the Pakicetus population?
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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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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
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Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.