Letter drawn

Question

by group Mutation if any Result/Trait(s)
A AAGGGCUUAUUC Extra long nails on digits
B GGCUUAUUC No digits on hands; hands
paddle-like
C AUGGGCUUAUAC Normal
D AUGGGCGGCUUAUAC Hands fused in front of
body; no range of arm motion
E UACAUGGGCUUA Webbing hands and feet
F AUGGGCAUAUAC No peripheral vision
G AUGGCCUUAUAC Blind
H GGGAUAUCG Short legs; correct number
of digits on hands and feet

The process of evolution involves changes in the genetic makeup of a population over a period of time. Sexual reproduction enhances variability among offspring. The production of the new genetic material results from alterations in the DNA of a developing organism. This random alteration of DNA from parent to offspring (called mutations) produces variable characteristics in offspring. These mutations are not related to the present needs of an organism but are merely the result of chance. As a result of mutations, some organisms in a population will have a set of genes that are better suited to the current environmental conditions. These organisms will have a better chance of surviving and reproducing offspring.

Unfortunately, not all mutations are helpful. Some alterations of DNA result in characteristics that harm the organism or do not affect it at all. A lizard’s ability to change color is an example of a beneficial mutation that was retained and passed on to future generations. A fawn born without camouflage markings as the result of a mutation will probably not survive because of its inability to hide from predators. Such harmful mutations do not remain in the population long enough to be passed on to future offspring.

The characteristics caused by mutations that are retained and passed on to future offspring are called adaptations. These adaptations can be structural, physiological or behavioral.
Why do organisms adapt? The bottom line is this law of the universe: survive to reproduce.

Today we will be looking at to traits of an organism: sight and appendages. Both factor heavily into the organisms food-getting abilities. No food – no survival.

Materials
• 15 paper-wrapped candies per group of three students
• One cup (per group of three students)
• Plastic knives
• Lab goggles
• Cotton
• Duct tape
• Stop watch
Procedure
• One student per group will draw a letter, A – H, to determine the mutation present.
• Each group member will, using the materials supplied, modify their appearance to reflect their mutation.
• Once all students are ready, the teacher will direct them to the food source.
• One member of the group will start the timer.
• The teacher will announce “start” and the organisms will search for food, 15 candies per group.
• The candies will be stored in the cup.
• Once all 15 candies have been saved to the cup, the group will move to their designated table and each group member will open and consume 5 candies.
• Once all the candies have been eaten, the timer should be stopped.
• The total time for the food gathering and eating should be recorded on the board for future class discussion.

The code for normal hand with normal digits (5 digits w/ opposable thumbs) is AUGGGCUUAUAC
The code for normal vision is CCCGGGAUAUCG

Given the results of the experiment, is there a more advantageous mutation the organisms can have or does being normal provide the greatest advantage to survival?

Answer 1

Based on the results of the experiment and the descriptions of various mutations, we can analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each mutation with respect to survival through food-gathering abilities.

Here is a brief analysis of each mutation:

1. Mutation A (Extra long nails on digits): While having extra long nails may provide some utility in grabbing food, they could also hinder grasping or holding onto objects effectively, potentially limiting the organism's food-gathering capacity.

2. Mutation B (No digits on hands; hands paddle-like): This would severely impede the ability to grasp and manipulate food items. As a result, this mutation is likely very disadvantageous for survival.

3. Mutation C (Normal): The standard code that yields normal hands and functionality would provide the best food-gathering ability, enabling efficient management of food.

4. Mutation D (Hands fused in front of body; no range of arm motion): This mutation severely restricts movement and the ability to interact with the environment, becoming a serious hindrance to survival.

5. Mutation E (Webbing hands and feet): While webbing could be advantageous in certain environments (like swimming), it may be a disadvantage on land regarding food-gathering abilities.

6. Mutation F (No peripheral vision): A lack of peripheral vision could make it more difficult to detect food sources or predators, potentially leading to greater vulnerability.

7. Mutation G (Blind): Being blind would significantly impede an organism’s ability to locate food or avoid danger, making this a highly disadvantageous mutation.

8. Mutation H (Short legs; correct number of digits on hands and feet): The correct digits ensure some level of functionality with food-gathering; however, short legs may reduce mobility, which can limit the ability to cover ground quickly to access food.

Conclusion:

Overall, Mutation C (normal) represents the most advantageous trait for survival in terms of food-gathering capabilities. The ability to manipulate objects effectively and have normal vision maximizes an organism's chances to find and gather food efficiently. Other mutations either significantly hinder movement, manipulation, or sensory perception, which detrimentally affects survival.

Thus, while some mutations may provide advantages in specific environmental contexts, having a normal phenotype (normal hands, digits, and vision) appears to provide the greatest advantage for overall survival and food acquisition in this experiment.