TASK CARD: Investigation
Natural Selection of Finch Beaks
Today you are going to become the famous finches of the Galapagos Islands.
Each group will represent a different species of finch by using a different tool
(beak) to pick up seeds.
Predict
Look at the choices of “beaks” presented by your instructor. Which beak
do you think will be most effective at acquiring seeds?
Observe
Record the letter of the beak that your group is using. _______
Make a data table to record the number of seeds each group acquires
during each round.
Explain
1. What tool was most effective at acquiring seeds? Why?
2. Would the same tool still be the most effective if we put the seeds in the
grass and collected them in this new environment? Why or why not?
3. Would the same tool still be the most effective if we used a larger type of
seed? Why or why not?
4. Did you observe any groups that made behavioral adaptations to increase
their rate of seed acquisition? Describe these adaptations.
Conclusion
Describe the result of the three trials in terms of NATURAL SELECTION. Use
and underline the VIST terms.
Compare and contrast artificial selection and natural selection.
TASK CARD: Investigation
Natural Selection of Finch Beaks
Today you are going to become the famous finches of the Galapagos Islands.
Each group will represent a different species of finch by using a different tool
(beak) to pick up seeds.
Predict
Look at the choices of “beaks” presented by your instructor. Which beak
do you think will be most effective at acquiring seeds?
Observe
Record the letter of the beak that your group is using. _______
Make a data table to record the number of seeds each group acquires
during each round.
Explain
1. What tool was most effective at acquiring seeds? Why?
2. Would the same tool still be the most effective if we put the seeds in the
grass and collected them in this new environment? Why or why not?
3. Would the same tool still be the most effective if we used a larger type of
seed? Why or why not?
4. Did you observe any groups that made behavioral adaptations to increase
their rate of seed acquisition? Describe these adaptations.
Conclusion
Describe the result of the three trials in terms of NATURAL SELECTION. Use
and underline the VIST terms.
Compare and contrast artificial selection and natural selection.