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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
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?
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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.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
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.