Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

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

Simulating Evolution of a Rock Pocket Mouse Population

Topic
  • Evolution
  • Natural Selection
  • Population Genetics
  • Science Practices
  • Models & Simulations
Resource Type
  • Videos
  • Animations
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Duration
00:01:05
Favorited By
8 Users
Share This
Description

This animation shows how quickly an advantageous mutation can spread through a mouse population over multiple generations.

Mutations with even a small selective advantage can lead to rapid evolution of populations. This animation uses equations from population genetics to simulate how quickly a new, advantageous fur color spreads through a rock pocket mouse population. The selective advantage discussed in the animation corresponds to the selection coefficient (s). Even with only a modest advantage (a relatively small value of s), evolution can happen in as few as 100 generations. This animation is a clip from a 2005 Holiday Lecture Series, Evolution: Constant Change and Common Threads. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss the different scenarios presented.

Details
Key Terms

camouflage, fitness, generation, mutation, selection coefficient, selective advantage, simulation, variation

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History
Date Published 02.04.05
Materials
Large (MOV) 6 MB
Large (WMV) 6 MB
Small (MOV) 2 MB
Small (WMV) 2 MB
Transcript (PDF) 12 KB

Explore Related Content

Other Resources About Rock Pocket Mice
Showing of
Short Films
The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation
Film Activities
Activity for Natural Selection and Adaptation
Card Activities
Color Variation Over Time in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Lessons
Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Lessons
Molecular Genetics of Color Mutations in Rock Pocket Mice
Lessons
Biochemistry and Cell Signaling Pathway of the Mc1r Gene
Lessons
Natural Selection and Evolution of Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Screen shot of the quiz
Interactive Videos
Interactive Assessment for Natural Selection and Adaptation
Animations
Rock Pocket Mice and Predation
Screenshot of mouse fur evolution animation
Lessons
Developing an Explanation for Mouse Fur Color
Other Related Resources
Showing of
Labs & Demos
Battling Beetles
Card Activities
Color Variation Over Time in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Labs & Demos
Variations in the Clam Species Clamys sweetus
Short Films
The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation
Film Activities
Activity for Natural Selection and Adaptation
Lessons
Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Lessons
Natural Selection and Evolution of Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Labs & Demos
Population Genetics, Selection, and Evolution
Screen shot of the quiz
Interactive Videos
Interactive Assessment for Natural Selection and Adaptation
Lessons
Analyzing Data on Tuskless Elephants

HHMI BioInteractive

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