this is experimented in the PhET Simulation Natural SelectionReset everything using the button. Click on theon the left under the dominant column to add a mutation. Click “Add a Mate”. After 3 generations have passed on the graph click to pause the simulation.

Question

this is experimented in the PhET Simulation Natural SelectionReset everything using the  button. Click on theon the left under the dominant column to add a mutation. Click “Add a Mate”. After 3 generations have passed on the graph click  to pause the simulation.

Based on the population numbers, which type of tooth is the predominant trait so far? (1)

Do the current environmental conditions favor one type of tooth? Use evidence to support your answer. (Hint: the “proportions” setting next to the graph can provide evidence as well–if the % remain about the same from gen1-gen3 none are favored)
 (2)

PREDICT: What would happen to both the populations of long teeth and short teeth rabbits if the food became tough? What would happen to the proportion of long teeth to short teeth? (2)

DO NOT RESET. Click the “tough food box”, then click  to restart the simulation. After 7 generations have passed, pause the simulation to check your predictions.

Were your predictions correct? Use evidence to support your claims.(2)

Write the REASONING for the following claim: Long teeth in rabbits is a favorable mutation when food sources are tough. (2)

Part 2: Fur
Reset everything using the  button. Click on theon the RIGHT under the recessive column to add a mutation. Click “Add a Mate”.  After 3 generations have passed on the graph click  while letting the simulation run. Pause the simulation after 8 generations.

How did the proportion of white bunnies to brown bunnies change after wolves were introduced to the environment?  What would be a reasonable explanation for this change?(2)

Based on the evidence, what is the difference between a dominant trait (white fur) and a predominant trait? (2)

DO NOT RESET. Click the  then click  to restart the simulation. After 12 generations have passed, pause the simulation.

What effect did the change in environmental conditions have on the rabbit population?(1)

Conclusion

What factors determine whether or not a mutation will become a predominant trait?(2)

GPT-4o mini · Answer

Sure! I can help you work through these questions based on the principles of natural selection and the results you might observe in the PhET simulation. Here's a structured approach you might take when answering the questions:

Part 1: Teeth

Predominant Trait: Based on the population numbers observed after 3 generations, the type of tooth that is the predominant trait will depend on which group has the highest count. For example, if there are significantly more rabbits with long teeth than those with short teeth, then long teeth would be considered the predominant trait.
Environmental Favorability: The current environmental conditions may favor one type of tooth if the proportion of that trait changes significantly across generations. If the percentage of long teeth remains high or increases while short teeth remain fairly constant, this suggests that long teeth are advantageous.
Predictions about Tough Food: If the food became tough, one could predict that long-toothed rabbits would have a survival advantage over those with short teeth, as they would be more effective at processing tough food. This would likely lead to an increase in the proportion of long teeth to short teeth in the next generations.
Verification of Predictions: After clicking the tough food box and running the simulation for 7 generations, you would need to compare the ratios of long and short teeth rabbits. If long teeth increased while short teeth decreased, this would support your prediction that tough food favors long teeth.
Reasoning for Favorable Mutation: Long teeth in rabbits is a favorable mutation when food sources are tough because they allow better processing and consumption of hard food, which enhances survival and reproduction in an environment where such food is prevalent.

Part 2: Fur

Proportions Change with Wolves: After wolves were introduced to the environment, the proportion of white bunnies to brown bunnies would likely change, with brown bunnies potentially becoming more prevalent. A reasonable explanation for this could be that brown bunnies are better camouflaged in certain environments, leading to greater survival rates when predators are present.
Dominant vs. Predominant Traits: A dominant trait is one that can mask the expression of a recessive trait (like white fur being dominant over brown), while a predominant trait is simply one that has a greater representation in the population. For example, a trait can be dominant but not predominant if it is present in fewer individuals.
Environmental Effects on Rabbit Population: The introduction of wolves likely reduced the overall rabbit population due to predation, as well as potentially altering the genetic traits that are favored through natural selection, favoring traits that provide better camouflage or other survival advantages.

Conclusion

Factors Determining Mutation Predominance: Several factors determine whether or not a mutation will become a predominant trait, including:
- Survival and Reproductive Advantage: If the trait provides better survival and reproductive success in a given environment, it is more likely to become predominant.
- Environmental Conditions: Changes in environmental conditions (like food availability, presence of predators, etc.) can influence which traits are favorable, thus impacting their prevalence in the population over time.

These answers will help you articulate the principles of natural selection as demonstrated in the PhET simulation. You may want to adjust the specifics based on actual observed results from your simulation to align with your findings.