Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Español
  • Search
  • Log In/Create Account
  • Classroom Resources
  • Planning Tools
  • Professional Development
  • About Us

Patterns in the Distribution of Lactase Persistence

Topic
  • Evolution
  • Population Genetics
  • Human Evolution
  • Science Practices
  • Data Analysis
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Card Activities
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Favorited By
13 Users
Share This
Description

This activity extends concepts covered in the film Got Lactase? The Co-Evolution of Genes and Culture. Students analyze data from the scientific literature to draw conclusions about the geographic distribution of lactase persistence.

The activity begins with students watching the film. They then analyze data on the frequency of lactase persistence and the alleles associated with that trait. The activity involves using the data to draw pie charts, plot the pie charts on a world map, and identify patterns. The activity connects concepts in genetics with world geography and culture.

Student Learning Targets
  • Calculate frequencies and graph data in pie charts.

  • Interpret data from different research studies to infer the global distribution of a trait.

  • Make claims based on scientific evidence and use scientific reasoning to support the claims.
Details
Estimated Time
Two to three 50-minute class periods.
Key Terms

allele, enzyme, genotype, phenotype, population

Primary Literature

Refer to the “Educator Materials.”

Terms of Use

The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.

Version History
Date Published 04.28.17
Date Updated 04.28.17
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-3; SEP1, SEP4, SEP5, SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.C, EVO-1.D, EVO-1.H, EVO-1.J, EVO-1.K, EVO-1.O, EVO-3.A SYI-3.D; SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2, 10.3

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7, ELA.WHST.9-12.1
Math.A-REI.3; MP2, MP3, MP6

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1; DP1, DP2

Materials
Educator Materials (PDF) 3 MB
Student Worksheet (PDF) 870 KB
Map (PDF) 96 KB
Additional Materials
  • pie chart stencils (student handout), prefilled pie charts (student handout), or circle stickers

  • calculator

  • colored pencils

  • scissors

  • glue stick or tape

Use This Resource With
Video Resource
The Making of the Fittest: Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture

Explore Related Content

Other Resources About Lactase
Showing of
Image from the activity
Case Studies
Lactase Persistence: Evidence for Selection
Screen shot of the quiz
Interactive Videos
Interactive Assessment for Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture
A still from an animation of lactase digesting lactose.
Animations
Lactose Digestion in Infants
Animations
Natural Selection for Lactose Tolerance
Click & Learn
Recent Adaptations in Humans
Click & Learn
Regulation of the Lactase Gene
Film Activities
Activity for Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture
Short Films
The Making of the Fittest: Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture
Lessons
Blood Glucose Data Analysis
Labs & Demos
Milk: How Sweet Is It?
Other Related Resources
Showing of
Lessons
Analyzing Data on Tuskless Elephants
Lessons
Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Labs & Demos
Population Genetics, Selection, and Evolution
Card Activities
Using Genetic Crosses to Analyze a Stickleback Trait
Lessons
Understanding Variation in Human Skin Color
Animations
Natural Selection for Lactose Tolerance
Card Activities
Color Variation Over Time in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Scientists at Work
The Tool-Making Animal
Animated Shorts
Animated Life: Mary Leakey
Click & Learn
Regulation of the Lactase Gene
This Resource Appears in the Following Playlists
Showing of
hhmi-card
Teaching Genetics and Molecular Biology Using Lactose Intolerance
8 Resources
By: BioInteractive

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • HHMI.org
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy