Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 loc. 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts

GROUP LABORATORY NO. 1

“NATURAL SELECTION"

A Group Laboratory Presented to:

Ma’am Charmane Lee R. Indicio
Batangas State University
Alangilan, Batangas City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for
Sci 402 – Modern Biology
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

By:

ARELLANO, LOVELY EULA M.

AN, WILLYGRACE MARIE M.
CLET, GWEN JOSEPH M.
JUNIO, JULIUS CESAR M.
MABILING, DAVID ANGELO P.
TORINO, NYLSLYNN B.

JULY 8, 2022

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A. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this laboratory work is to identify the results of variation and mutations
under certain conditions. Moreover, this group laboratory also aims to trace and investigate
the evolution of organisms through natural selection. Finally, we, students, must be able to
analyze, explain, and interpret the benefits of environmental adaptations by observing an
online simulation and recording the result from a PhET simulation.

B. THEORY
The process through which populations of living things adapt and change is known as
natural selection. A population's inhabitants are naturally diverse, which means that they are
all distinctive in some ways. This variety indicates that some individuals have characteristics
that are more environment-appropriate than others. Those that possess advantageous
qualities, or adapted traits, are more likely to live and procreate. The adaptable qualities are
subsequently passed on to the next generation by these inhabitants. These beneficial
characteristics spread across the population over time. Favorable features are passed down
across generations as a result of natural selection.

Therefore, natural selection is a process/mechanism of evolution which causes species to

change and become diverse overtime. Moreover, organisms that are more adapted to their
environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success. Natural
selection is one of the ways to account for the millions of species that have lived on Earth.

References:
 Natural Selection | National Geographic Society. (2020). Natural Selection | National
Geographic Society. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/natural-
selection/
 What puts the “bomb” in bombardier beetle? (2019). Discover.
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-natural-selection.html

C. MATERIALS AND SET-UP

Laptop/Computer/Cellphone

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 D. PROCEDURES

LINK: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/natural-
selection

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E. RESULT

1. (a) For condition 1, interpret the White Fur vs. Brown Fur Bunnies based on the population
data from generation 5 to 10. (b) What kind of bunnies takes over the world and in what
generation?

In the given condition wherein the situation was summer, the dominant fur (brown) was
added in generation 1 and wolves attacked the bunnies in generation 4, we have observed
something. Based on the observation, furs have a different kind of relationship with the
generation starting from generation 5 up to generation 10. The population of the recessive fur
(white) has an inverse relationship with the generation. Wherein, as the generation goes by or
increases the population of the white fur decreases. Opposite of the relationship between
dominant fur (brown) and the generation. We observed that as the generation increases the
population of the dominant fur (brown) also increases. This indicates that they have a direct
relationship with each other. This also means that the population of brown fur overtakes the
white one although it is the one who comes first into the field. Therefore, in generation 10,
bunnies took over the world. But according to the population data, bunnies took over the world,
specifically brown fur.

2. (a) For condition 2, interpret the White Fur vs. Brown Fur Bunnies based on the population
data from generation 4 to 6. (b) What kind of bunnies takes over the world and in what
generation?

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 (a) Based on our observation, there are changes and variations from generations to
generations. For condition 2 where the weather is winter, mutations were also possible. We
are asked to add mutations of dominant bunnies that would start on Generation 1. During the
fourth generation, we are also asked to click environmental factors such as wolves to
investigate if there would be changes after all. Thus, based on the activity done, we can say
that during the fourth to sixth generation, white fur bunnies literally increased their population.
However, brown fur bunnies settled their population at a low number. As we add mutations
since Gen 1 and put wolves during the fourth generation, it is observed that white fur bunnies
escalate and extend their numbers. It is also observed that as generation passes by, it is
directly related to the behavior of the variants of white fur bunnies which are also growing.
Generation 4 to Generation 6 were the generations in which the increased numbers of white
fur bunnies were obvioused and noticeable. (b) Based on the population data, it was
distinguished that the kind of bunnies that took over the world were the dominant white fur
bunnies rather than the brown one. From the data, Gen 6 is the generation in which white fur
bunnies took over the world more than those browns. This condition only portrays that the
weather as well as adding mutations to a certain generation and the environmental factors
greatly affect the mutations of bunnies.

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3. Compare Condition 1 and Condition 2.

According to our observations, the population of brown and white fur bunnies is
influenced by the season at a time. As we may have noticed, first in condition 1 where the
situation was summer, we discovered that brown fur bunnies have a better probability of
survival because their advantageous qualities aid in survival and reproduction. One element
that aids them is their color, which is an important attribute at the equator habitat because it
allows them to blend in with their surroundings, allowing them to procreate and pass on their
genes to the next generation. White fur bunnies at the equator environment are more apparent
to wolves and so more commonly prey upon. While in condition 2 where the weather condition
is winter we noticed that the white fur bunnies multiplied their population. Brown fur bunnies,
on the other hand, kept their population to a minimum. Furthermore, both conditions requested
the inclusion of environmental elements such as wolves to observe if the population of bunnies
with different coat colors would alter. Brown fur bunnies dominate white fur bunnies in
population growth, according to Condition 1. While Condition 2 shows, on the other side, that
white fur rabbits outnumbered brown hair bunnies when the wolves arrived in generation 4. It
is clear that the weather, as well as the environment and the addition of mutation, have a
significant impact on bunny mutations. There were numerous circumstances that could
influence the bunnies' mutation. According to the observations, the aforementioned factor
clearly influenced the mutation. Regardless, these conditions may or may not aid in the
bunny's mutation.

4. (a) For condition 3, interpret the White Fur vs. Brown Fur Bunnies based on the population
data from generation 4 to 7. (b) In what generation did all the bunnies die?

The next situation that we observed is condition 3. Based on this condition, the weather
of the environment will be during the summertime. The added mutation for the bunnies is the
recessive (brown) fur that will start in generation 1. And the tough food will be the main
environmental factor for the bunnies that will take effect in generation 4. Based on our

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laboratory data observation, upon following all the steps and conditions for condition 3, we
can conclude that from the start of generation 4 there is already a sign of domination of white
fur bunnies because the data says that 161 bunnies are white furs and only 2 bunnies are
brown furs, over 163 bunnies’ which is the peak of the population.

The reason for this is because the bunnies' recessive features or recessive genetic
changes that can be covered up by a dominant gene present. It indicates that a rabbit has to
inherit the gene for brown fur from both of his or her parents in order to have a trait that is
expressed by a recessive gene, such as brown fur. When just one copy is present, a recessive
does not create any traits at all; instead, it only manifests itself when both of the related genes
are recessive. This is also the reason behind why up until generation 7, the data population of
the bunnies was small. When we compare the white fur and brown fur bunnies, we can see
that the brown fur bunnies are already extinct and there are still 12 bunnies left for the white
fur. Therefore, white fur bunnies are overly dominant over brown fur even though there is a
mutation happening, but that kind of mutation is recessive and is very rare to execute. Lastly,
after we activate the main environmental factors at the start of generation 4, there is a massive
drop in population from the next generation, from the peak population of 163 to 66 bunnies.
This decrease of population continues until to the point that all the bunnies become extinct at
the generation 9. The reason behind this result is because of environmental factors. The
resources they need are very rare or hard to get. That’s why they cannot eat enough, and they
would not survive.

5. (a) For condition 4, interpret the White Fur vs. Brown Fur Bunnies based on the population
data from generation 4 to 7. (b) In what generation did all the bunnies die?

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 In condition four (4), where the weather is winter, the recessive fur (white) begins at
generation one (1). The tough food factor happens in generation four (4). A significant number
of the population of bunnies can be observed, notably in the population of white fur and brown
fur bunnies from generations four to seven. Statistically, white fur bunnies produce a higher
offspring than brown fur bunnies. Hence, during the winter season, we can infer that the white
fur bunnies' population is more able to adapt and change to these environmental factors.
Denoting that white fur bunnies are the ones who can live and procreate at higher numbers
since they possess a beneficial quality and adapted traits.
Furthermore, the tough food factor, which happens in generation four, must also be
considered. Although white fur bunnies reproduced at a higher phase than brown fur bunnies,
a decline in food demand significantly affects an animal's basic life. From our previous class
discussion, we all know that food is essential to all living organisms, like animals, since this is
where they get the energy to perform life processes and survive. Thus, the total offspring of
bunnies declined in numbers starting from generation four to seven. (b) Based on the
population data, we can say that all of the bunnies died in generation nine (9). Specifically, it
happens in the mid to late part of the generation. This only concludes that the weather and
other environmental factors (i.e., tough food) dramatically affect bunnies' reproduction and life
overall.

6. Compare Condition 3 and Condition 4.

Upon the laboratory experiment / exercise the condition numbers 3 and 4 present the
same circumstances however they have different weather or climates. The 3rd condition
presents a summer weather for the generations of rabbits. While the 4th condition presents a
winter weather condition for the generations of rabbits. In the first few generations where tough
food isn’t an issue for the population it presents a rise in population for both 3rd and 4th
condition. Here we can say that the weather clearly doesn’t affect the population growth of the
bunnies. Upon reaching the 4th generation this is where a huge change happened and which
eventually stopped the bunnies taking over the planet Earth. Before reaching generation 5 a
huge drop in population happened due to tough food situations. This results in the continuous
drop of population every generation. For the 3rd condition the population becomes extinct
before it reaches the 9th generation. While at the 4th condition the population of rabbits comes
to an end before the 8th generation. To conclude, weather conditions aren't the main problem
for the population, however the lack of food clearly affects the longevity of the rabbits. The 3rd
condition experiencing summer lasts longer by 1 generation than the 4th condition
experiencing winter.

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F. CONCLUSION

Our team came to the conclusion that environmental variables are essential to sustain
and regulate population growth because population management is required to ensure that
the population somehow doesn't overpopulate and take over the ecosystem. Brown bunny fur
color is an advantageous trait during the summer, according to group observations made
during the simulation of the first and second conditions, because it allows the bunnies to blend
in with their environment, allowing them to reproduce and pass on their genes to the next
generation. A rabbit's fur may also change color for protection, which is more prevalent in wild
animals than in domestic animals, although it applies to all rabbits and is a normal reaction to
light exposure. A rabbit will benefit from longer days and more sunshine in the summer. As a
result, the body of the rabbit reacts by increasing melanin synthesis, which causes the rabbit
to have darker fur in the summer. Less melanin is made throughout the winter as the days get
shorter. Bunnies would survive the predators if they were well adapted to a particular habitat.
Color plays a role in this because white shows out against brown landscape, but brown fur is
difficult for wolves to see in a brown, tropical setting. Natural selection aids in the alteration of
fur color in cell mutations, resulting in a rabbit's new coat being devoid of pigment. It's typical
for a rabbit's fur to turn totally white in snowy climates.

During the summer, wolves are more likely to spot white bunnies and feed upon them
more frequently. In contrast, white rabbit fur is advantageous in the winter for the same reason
that bunnies with brown hair are advantageous in the summer. Due of their increased visibility
throughout the winter, wolves feed on brown bunnies more frequently. Our team observed that
the quantity of bunnies rose without the environmental component during the simulation of the
third and fourth conditions. Following the application of the environmental element, the
quantity of bunnies gradually decreased until none were living. Overall, this natural selection
activity helped the group comprehend how populations develop in many types of habitats. We,
the learners, have also witnessed how environmental variables influence population growth.

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