Natural Selection Lab Report

Title:
Testing the theory of evolution, Jan Pokorný

Objective(s):
 identify different types of evolutionary adaptations
 explain ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution
by natural selection and diversity
 simulate the effects of natural selection and genetic variation under specific
environmental conditions

Hypotheses:
If I investigate the environment , then I will observe

in population of white rabbits over time.

Variables:

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

Generati Rate of Survival for Brown
on Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rabbits

2
 Generati Rate of Survival for Brown
on Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rabbits

Table 2: Rabbits in the dark-colored environment

Generati Rate of Survival for Brown
on Rate of Survival for White Rabbits Rabbits

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?
2. Using Table 1, which color rabbit had the higher rate of survival in the light-colored
(white) environment? Explain why this occurred.
 3. Using Table 2, which color rabbit had the higher rate of survival in the dark-colored
(brown) environment? Explain why this occurred.

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?
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?
3. How do you predict the data would change if you continued? Explain your answer.
4. What traits could help a predator be more “fit” to survive in each environment?
5. Describe other adaptations besides color that could affect an individual’s survival.
6. Explain what will happen if there are not enough resources to support the individuals in a
species.