Natural Selection Lab Report

Instructions: As you complete each slide of the Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity, please fill
in this lab report with the appropriate information and data. 

Title:
Okoye Davis, Mrs. Smith, Natural Selection Lab

 Objective(s): identify different types of evolutionary adaptations such as camouflage, mimicry,

body shape, and teeth/beak types
 explain ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural
selection and diversit
 simulate the effects of natural selection and genetic variation under specific environmental conditions


Introduction:
In this lab we will explore the scientific theory of evolution by recognizing and explaining ways in
which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and
diversity of organisms. Predators will act as agents of selection on the prey, a species whose members
vary in color.

Hypotheses:

 If I investigate the dark colored environment, then I will observe a decreased in population of light-
colored rabbits over time.
 If I investigate the light colored environment, then I will observe a decrease in population of dark-
colored rabbits over time.

Variables: environment, color, predators, prey

Materials:
1. The Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity
2. Natural Selection Lab Report

Procedures:
The procedures are listed in Natural Selection Virtual Lab Activity. You do not need to include
them here.
Data and Observations:

Table 1: Rabbits in the light-colored environment

Generation Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits

1 49% 51%

2 60% 40%

3 66% 34%

4 76% 24%

5 87% 13%

Table 2: Rabbits in the dark-colored environment

Generation Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rate of Survival for Brown Rabbits

1 48% 52%

2 35% 65%

3 25% 75%

4 21% 70%

5 13% 88%

Data Analysis:

Part 1: In your data tables you recorded the percentage of the rate of survival for both the white
and brown rabbit in both the light-colored and the dark-colored environments.

Part 2: Using your percentages in part 1, create a graph that represents the rate of survival for
the white and brown rabbits in each type of environment.

Insert chart [Hint: don’t forget to consider the relationship between your data and the type of
graph to best represent your data. A bar graph would be the best option to analyze this data.]

Conclusion:
Be sure to answer the following reflection questions as a summary in the conclusion of your lab
report:
1. Were your hypotheses correct or incorrect? Why or why not?
Yes, because the white rabbits did decrease drastically in the darker environment.

2. Using Table 1, which color rabbit had the higher rate of survival in the light-colored
(white) environment? Explain why this occurred.
The white rabbits because, of their color the blended in with the environment.
3. Using Table 2, which color rabbit had the higher rate of survival in the dark-colored
(brown) environment? Explain why this occurred.
The brown rabbit because, it’s color blended in more with the environment.

Questions
Using what you have learned from the lesson and the virtual lab activity, answer the following
questions in complete sentences.
1. How did the colors of each type of prey affect its population size over time?
The colors of the prey depending on the environment had a huge control over how
much a population would decrease or increase or even become extinct. If a prey
did not blend into the environment it was more likely to become dinner than a
prey which blended in.

2. What color rabbit seemed to camouflage the best in this snow habitat and why? What
color rabbit seemed to camouflage the best in the summer habitat and why?
The light-colored rabbit camouflages the best in the snow habitat and the brown
rabbit camouflage best in the summer habitat because of their color fur they were
able to blend into their environment with max efficiency.

3. How do you predict the data would change if you continued? Explain your answer.
In the snow habitat the brown fur rabbits would go extinct in that area and in the
summer habitat the white fur rabbits would go extinct in that area also because
they don’t blend in and have not developed other adaptations to help them from
becoming dinner.

4. What traits could help a predator be more “fit” to survive in each environment?
If color is a trait then this would be a huge advantage in an environment where
that predator would be camouflaged and could sneak up on prey.

5. Describe other adaptations besides color that could affect an individual’s survival.
Another adaptation that would affect an individual’s survival are claws to help
defend or attack prey or predators.
 6. Explain what will happen if there are not enough resources to support the individuals in a
species.

The species could go extinct from not having enough resources to support the individuals.