Name: Chuan

G10 MYP5 | Unit: BIOLOGY | Summative: BC

Part 1: Data collection (online)
Natural Selection Simulator

SOI: Through an exploration of the variation and sustainability of life, we investigate how
change leads to transformations in the environment and the organisms within them. We
critically examine the dynamic nature of life and the influences of human
choices towards fairness and development.

Key & Related Concepts: Systems and Models

Global Context: Fairness and Development

(G)oal To investigate a model natural selection factor

(R)ole You are a scientist modeling how a change in the environment can transform a species

(A)udience Your audience is the Grade 11 and 12 ESS classes

(S)ituation You will investigate one factor involved in natural selection, record your collected data
and qualitative

(P)roduct You will have three lessons to collect your data (1 x collect data, 2 x writing report) and
write up your laboratory report.

(S)tandards Your report needs to show understanding of the process of natural selection, written
with correct scientific language to meet the full BC Criteria, use in-text citations to
support your ideas in the introduction and produce a Harvard Style reference list D(iv)

Teacher Feedback

Student Reflection

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Modeling the process of Natural Selection

In this task you will be using a simulator to investigate a factor which leads to the process of
natural selection. The factor you can choose is either “Wolves” or “Tough Food”

You will measure the population of the rabbits over generations after the factor is introduced.

Lesson 1 : Data Collection

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Time (generations of rabbits) Amount of white-furred rabbits (No.#)

Presence of wolves

Justification of your independent variable and range Justification of your dependent variable:

My independent variable is time, which will be measured
using the simulator’s generation counting feature. The
range is from generation 5 to generation 15. The IV of
The Presence of Wolves will be introduced by selecting
the “wolves” environmental factor on the simulator right
after the rabbits pass generation 5.
My IV is justified because wolves are introduced after
generation 5, so we should be able to see a dramatic
change after generation 5, and 10 generations after that
is enough time for us to see change.
My dependent variable is the number of rabbits with
white fur, which will be measured using the generator’s
“white-fur” and “data probe” selection. I will record their
population every generation from 5-15.
My DV is justified because examining the white-firred
rabbits’ population change can reflect the principle of
natural selection, which I will explain below.

Write your research question in the box below.

How does the presence of wolves affect the number of white-furred rabbits (No.#) over time (generations 5-15)?

Write your hypothesis (include your scientific reasoning with an in-text citation) and sketch a graph (Graph 1),
what shape do you think your curve will look like.

I hypothesize that as the generations of rabbits increase, the population of white rabbits will decrease with a
negative nonlinear correlation between the IV and DV. The wolves introduced after generation 5 will start to prey on
the rabbits. In my summer terrain, the brown environment makes the white rabbits stand out to predators like the
wolves. The white rabbits will be an easy target to prey on, making their chances of survival minimal, and thus, their
population will decrease (American Museum of Natural History, 2024). On the other hand, brown rabbits will thrive
in the brown environment due to their ability to camouflage, and their population will increase. This is an example of
how the mechanism of natural selection works and it matches an experiment done on white and black mice living in
a black volcanic environment (biointeractive, 2014). According to their research, the once white dominant mice
population decreased dramatically in the black terrain while the black mice population increased dramatically. This
was due to the black mice’s ability to camouflage in their environment to avoid predators. In contrast, the white mice
were heavily preyed on since their skin color was very easy to identify for predators such as hawks and snakes.
The same findings also occurred in multiple volcanic terrains with the same situation, which all support my
hypothesis.

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As you can see, the graph concaves down, which suggests a negative nonlinear correlation between the IV and DV.

Start the simulation, record the changes in the rabbit population for the generations in your results table (you will need
to make this in the space below)
Table 1: Raw data from simulation (change the title to reflect the data in this table).
How will you process your data? An average? Percentage change? Put your processed data into a table.

Table Title: How does the presence of wolves affect the number of white-furred rabbits (No.#) over time (generations
5-15)?

I will process my data through average and standard deviation.

Table 2: Processed data (change the title to reflect the data in this table)

Table Title: How does the presence of wolves affect the number of white-furred rabbits (No.#) over time (generations
5-15)?

Outliers have been highlighted in yellow

Graph 2: (change the title to reflect the data in the graph, and refer to it as “Figure 1…”)

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Graph Title: How does the presence of wolves affect the number of white-furred rabbits (No.#) over time (generations
5-15)?

2 2
The trendline is calculated using 𝑅 , 𝑅 = 0.503

Calculations you used to process your data

Average:

For each generation, I added all the Trials together and divided them by 5 (number of trials). I
rounded them all to the nearest whole number to stay consistent because you can't have the
number of rabbits be in decimal places.

For example, for generation 5:

230+261+240+252+231
5
= 243 amount of white rabbits

Justification:
The average is needed so we can derive the mean data from 5 trials to get a better
understanding of our data. The average is more accurate since all 5 trials are considered.

Standard Deviation:

For each generation, I selected all 5 trials and calculated them by using “"=stdev(range of 5
trials)" on google sheets. This follows the standard deviation formula. I rounded them all to the
nearest whole number to stay consistent because you can't have the number of rabbits be in
decimal places.

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For example for generation 5:

Justification:
Standard deviation is a measure of the spread of a set of numbers, describing how much each
number differs from the average of the set. We need standard deviation to assess the variability
or consistency within a dataset, indicating whether data points tend to be close to or far from the
mean.

R Square

The r square value was calculated

using the formula on the right
(eFactory LLC, 2024).

Justification: This value makes

sense because the relationship
between the IV and DV is a negative
nonlinear correlation, which means it's
not a proportional decrease. Thus, the
r square value will not be close to 1.

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Method to collect data
Table 1. Instructions for Data Collection using the Simulator. Copy and paste this table into your method section and
edit the steps to make it appropriate for your research question. You may add or delete steps as you feel necessary.

1. Open up the simulator

2. Go to the Lab Box

3. Select your environment (Winter/Snow or Summer)

4. Select ALL the mutations (either ALL Dominant or ALL Recessive)

5. Select Limited Food (this is to ensure competition will occur)

6. Add a mate

7. Allow the rabbits to mate for 5 generations, then pause the simulation

8. Select ONE environmental factor (“wolves” OR “tough food”).

9. Let the simulator run for another 10 generations

10. Collect the population data for your chosen traits, then put them into a data table.

11. Repeat steps 1-10 four more times to collect a total of five trials.

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Strand 3-4 5-6 7-8

B (i)
Introduct Outline a problem or question Describe a problem or question to
Explain a problem or question to be
ion and to be tested by a scientific be tested by a scientific
tested by a scientific investigation
Research investigation investigation
Question

1) RQ identifies IV & DV 1) RQ identifies IV & DV 1) RQ identifies IV & DV

2) Background information is 2) RQ is focused ( IV includes range, 2) RQ is focused ( IV includes range,

superficial or of limited DV is specific, IV and DV use DV is specific, IV and DV use
relevance correct units) correct units)

3) Background information is 3) Background information is

appropriate and relevant appropriate and relevant

4) Background information
enhances the understanding of
the context of the investigation

5) Significance of investigation is
described (e.g. how good is the
simulator at modeling natural
selection?)

B (ii) Formulate a testable Formulate and explain a testable Formulate and explain a testable
Hypothes hypothesis using scientific hypothesis using scientific hypothesis using correct scientific
is reasoning reasoning reasoning

1) Hypothesis states a 1) Hypothesis states a predicted 1) Hypothesis states a predicted

predicted relationship relationship between IV & DV
between IV & DV
2) The predicted relationship
2) The predicted relationship between IV & DV is described via
between IV & DV mathematical means (sketch
graph is optional)
relationship between IV & DV
2) The predicted relationship
between IV & DV is described via
mathematical means (sketch
graph is optional)

3) Hypothesis is explained by 3) Hypothesis is explained by

scientific reasoning scientific reasoning with citation/s

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Outline how to manipulate the
B (iii) variables, and state how
Variables sufficient, relevant data will be
collected
1) IV is stated
2) DV is identified
3) How to measure DV is
outlined
4) Some relevant CVs are listed
Designs a safe method and
B (iv)
selects materials and
Design
equipment
1) Equipment: online simulator
mentioned
2) Methodology is appropriate
only to address the RQ to a
limited extent; it lacks details
so may not allow for
replication of results
3) Method states collection of
multiple trials of data
Describe how to manipulate the
variables, and describe how
sufficient, relevant data will be
collected
1) IV is stated with range OR units
2) Justification of chosen IV range
is attempted
3) DV is identified
4) How to measure DV is described
5) All relevant CVs are at least listed
6) Justified some relevant CVs (3x)
7) Described how to keep some
relevant CVs constant
Design a complete and safe
method and selects appropriate
materials and equipment
1) Equipment: online simulator
mentioned with correct website
address.
2) Methodology is mainly
appropriate to address the RQ; it
lacks details but it will allow for
replication of results
3) Method details collection of at
least 5 trials worth of data.
4) Safety, ethics and environmental
considerations attempted.
Explain how to manipulate the
variables, and explain how sufficient,
relevant data will be collected
1) IV is stated with range AND units
2) Justification of chosen IV range is
clear and appropriate
3) Identified the direct DV
4) Describes how to measure DV
5) Listed all relevant CVs
6) Justified relevant CVs (5x)
7) Described how to keep all
relevant CVs constant
Design a logical, complete and safe
method and selects appropriate
materials and equipment
1) Equipment: online simulator
mentioned including correct
in-text citation.
2) Methodology is appropriate to
address the RQ
3) Method details collection of at
least 5 trials worth of data.
4) Method includes a step detailing
how raw data will be processed.
5) Safety, ethics and environmental
considerations fully considered.
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Strand 3-4 5-6 7-8

C (i) Table Correctly collect and Correctly collect, organize and Correctly collect, organize, transform
and Graph present data in numerical present data in numerical and/or and present data in numerical and/or
and/or visual forms visual forms visual forms

1) Raw OR processed 1) Sufficient raw AND processed
quantitative data quantitative data presented
presented in a table. appropriately in a table, may
include some minor errors.
2) Raw OR processed ● Decimal places consistent
quantitative data ● Units included & correct
presented in a graph ● Gridlines clear
● Headings are clear and
appropriate
● IV is in the first column
● Title is appropriate and
positioned separately and
above the table
2) Inclusion of qualitative data
attempted
1) Sufficient raw AND processed
quantitative data presented
appropriately in a table (DUGHIT)
without errors.
2) Appropriate qualitative data included
3) Processed quantitative data
presented appropriately in a graph
(PLATES) without errors
● If applicable: includes trendline
with R2
4) Sample calculations shown clearly
and with justification.

3) Processed quantitative data

presented appropriately in a
graph, may have some minor
errors.
● Plot data appropriately
● Line following the trend
included
● Axes titles are appropriate
● Title is appropriate and
positioned separately and
below the graph.
● Error bars
● Scale for x- and y-axes

4) Sample calculations
attempted

C (ii) Data Accurately interpret data Accurately interpret data and Accurately interpret data and explain
Analysis and describes results explain results using scientific results using correct scientific reasoning
and reasoning
Conclusion

1) Data Analysis: 3) Data Analysis: 1) Data Analysis:

● Describe the shape of ● Describe the shape of the
the graph graph
● Identify any outliers ● Use specific data points to
(graph) explain the shape of the
2) Conclusion: graph.
● Provides a statement ● Identify any outliers (graph)
describing the ● Identify any anomalies
relationship between (table)
the variables 4) Conclusion:
● Provide a statement
describing the relationship
between the variables.
● Use some accepted scientific
concepts to explain results.
● Describe the shape of the graph
● Use specific data points to explain
the shape of the graph.
● Identify any outliers (graph)
● Identify any anomalies (table)
2) Conclusion:
● Provide a statement describing the
relationship between the variables.
● Use accepted scientific concepts to
explain results with appropriate
citations.

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C (iii) Outline the validity of the
Evaluation hypothesis based on the
of outcome of the scientific
Hypothesis investigation
1) Identify whether the
data supports hypothesis
C (iv) Outline the validity of a
Evaluation method based on the
of Method outcome of a scientific
investigation
1) Use your data to outline
whether
● the method allows to
obtain reproducible
results
● the method is reliable.
2) Identify strengths and/or
weaknesses of the method
(in this case identify the
strengths and/or
weaknesses of the simulator
as a scientific model).
C (v) Outline improvements or
Improveme extensions to the
nts & experiment that would
Extensions benefit the scientific
investigation
1) Propose improvements
that are restricted to an
account of the practical
or procedural issues
faced.
OR
2) Outline realistic and
relevant suggestions for
the extension of the
investigation.
Discuss the validity of a
hypothesis based on the
outcome of a scientific
investigation
1) Identify whether the data
supports hypothesis
2) Differences between the
obtained results and the
hypothesised IV-DV
relationship are discussed.
3) Discuss the validity of
hypothesis by referring to
● IV to DV correlation
OR
● Error bars
Discuss the validity of the
method based on the outcome
of a scientific investigation
1) Use your data to discuss
whether
● the method allows to obtain
reproducible results.
● the method is reliable.
2) Identify strengths and
weaknesses of the method (in
this case identify the strengths
and weaknesses of the
simulator as a scientific model).
Describe improvements and
extensions to the experiment that
would benefit the scientific
investigation
1) Propose realistic
improvements to some of the
identified weaknesses and
describe how they would
increase the reliability or
reproducibility of the data.
AND
2) Describe future extension to
the current investigation.
Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis
based on the outcome of a scientific
investigation
1) Identify whether the data supports
hypothesis
2) Differences between the obtained
results and the hypothesised IV-DV
relationship are discussed.
3) Discuss validity of hypothesis by
referring to
● IV to DV correlation
● Error bars
● Trend line R2 value (if
appropriate)
Evaluate the validity of the method
based on the outcome of a scientific
investigation
1) Use your data to discuss whether
● the method allows to obtain
reproducible results.
● the method is reliable.
2) Identify strengths and/or weaknesses
of the method (in this case identify
the strengths and/or weaknesses of
the simulator as a scientific model).
3) Evaluate whether the simulator is a
valid scientific model of natural
selection
Explain improvements and extensions
to the experiment that would benefit
the scientific investigation
1) Propose realistic improvements to
ALL of the identified weaknesses and
explain how they would increase the
reliability or reproducibility of the
data.
AND
2) Describe future extension to the
current investigation.
3) Explain the significance of proposed
future investigation.
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Criterion D Documenting sources

iv) Document sources, with Sometimes document Usually document Document sources
Documenting limited success sources correctly sources correctly completely
sources(

- At least 3 valid
sources are used (.org,
.gov, .edu, or primary
research articles)
- At least 3 sources are
used
- In-text citations
- 2 sources used
correct and match
- In-text citations are
- Any attempt to Harvard Style
- A “Works Cited” list is attempted
document sources referencing
attempted
- “Works Cited” list is
- “Works Cited” list is
consistently
consistently
formatted
formatted in Harvard
style referencing and
matches in-text
citations

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Lesson 2 and 3: Complete report and upload to turnitin folder on Google Drive.

I. Introduction [300 words excluding in-text citations]

Natural selection is a fundamental evolutionary dynamic in which individuals with traits that
enhance their adaptation to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby
passing those traits on to the next generation and their numbers will thrive. This process impacts
all species. Essentially, it's about differential survival and fecundity: organisms optimally adapted
to their surroundings tend to have higher survival and reproductive rates, leading to a proliferation
of their advantageous traits. Over many generations, these traits become predominant within the
population as those less adapted are naturally eliminated, resulting in the evolution of the species
(T. Ryan Gregory, 2009).

In our investigation, we aim to identify how environmental factors affect a specicies natural
selection. Understanding this process is significant for appreciating life's diversity and complexity
and more importantly has practical use in areas like medicine, farming, and resource
management. For instance, farmers use natural selection principles to breed plants and animals
with traits like drought tolerance and disease resistance, which are key for agricultural productivity
(Robert James Henry and Eviatar Nevo, 2014).

For this purpose, I will use a simulation tool to observe the impact on a population of white-furred
rabbits when introduced into a brown summer landscape with the presence of wolf predators. My
RQ is: “How does the presence of wolves affect the number of white-furred rabbits (No.#) over
time (generations 5-15) during the summer period?”

The simulation is designed to accurately and objectively model the principles of natural selection,
providing precise population figures for each subsequent generation. Its high degree of
customizability (environment, mutations of rabbits, data probe features) makes it particularly
suitable for our research into the effects of environmental factors on species survival. The
simulation is authorized by its school and can fully simulate a real-life scenario. Thus, the
simulation can help us answer our research question.

II. Research Question

How does the presence of wolves affect the number of white-furred rabbits (No.#) over time
(generations 5-15) during the summer period?

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III. Hypothesis [150 words excluding in-text citations]

I hypothesize that as the generation of rabbits (IV) increases, the population of white fur rabbits
(DV) will decrease with a negative nonlinear correlation between the IV and DV. The wolves
introduced after generation 5 will start to prey on the rabbits. In my summer terrain, the brown
environment makes the white rabbits stand out to predators like the wolves. The white rabbits will
be an easy target to prey on, making their chances of survival minimal, and thus, their population
will decrease (American Museum of Natural History, 2024), most significantly during generation
5-6 because that is when white-furred rabbits’ population peaks. On the other hand, brown rabbits
will thrive in the brown environment due to their ability to camouflage, and thus their population will
increase. This reflects the principle of natural selection, and it echoes findings from a study where
black mice thrived due to better camouflage in volcanic terrains from local predators, while white
mice populations plummeted (biointeractive, 2014).

IV. Variables

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Time (generations of rabbits) Amount of white-furred rabbits (No.#)

Presence of wolves

Justification of your independent variable and range Justification of your dependent variable:

My independent variable is time, which will be measured My dependent variable is the number of rabbits with
using the simulator’s generator counting feature. The white fur phenotype, which will be measured using the
range is from generation 5 to generation 15. The IV of generator’s “white-fur” and “data probe” selection. I will
The Presence of Wolves will be introduced by selecting record their population every generation from 5-15.

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the “wolves” environmental factor on the simulator right

after the rabbits pass generation 5. My DV is justified because examining the white-firred
rabbits’ population change can reflect the principle of
My IV is justified because wolves are introduced after natural selection.
generation 5, so we should be able to see a dramatic
change after generation 5 and 10 generations after that
is enough time for us to see change.

Control Justification and How to keep it constant:

Variables

Environment of This must be kept the same because the environment affects natural
Terrain selection, specifically the camouflage of white-furred rabbits (white rabbits are
(summer vs more likely yot be seen by predators in a brown environment, and if the
winter) environment changes their populations will change as well, making the
experiment inconsistent).

I will keep the CV constant by selecting the summer terrain on the simulator
and keeping it the same throughout the experiment.

Food The availability of food affects the population of rabbits dramatically. If food is
avaliability kept at a minimum, there will not be a population overload of rabbits after each
(limited food) generation before the wolves come, which leaves us with a better visualization
of the population changes with only the wolf factor in consideration.

I will keep the CV constant by selecting the “limited food” option in the
simulator and keeping it the same throughout the experiment.

Food quality The food quality affects the population of rabbits, ensuring their growth and
(tough food) regeneration after each wave of wolves. This needs to be kept at high quality
to ensure accurate results of the population of rabbits.

I will keep the CV constant by NOT selecting the “tough food” option in the
simulator and keeping it the same throughout the experiment.

Mutations of Mutations in the fur, ear, and teeth of rabbits can affect their survival by
rabbits (fur, ear, impacting their ability to adapt to their environment and avoid predators. For
and teeth) example, rabbits with teeth mutations can have an advantage in eating new
types of food, which may provide a selective advantage in certain
environments (Coursesidekick, 2024). Similarly, mutations in eats ears and fur
can affect the rabbits’ ability to detect predators, keep warm, etc. Thus, all
mutations must be kept constant. I will include all these mutations because
there is limited food, and the mutations can help the rabbits regenerate faster
after each wave if wolf predation.

I will keep the CV constant by selecting all three mutations of “fur”, “ear”, and
“teeth” in the simulator and keeping it the same throughout the experiment.

V. Experimental Design

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Equipment
1x Computer with access to Phet simulator
(Colorado.edu, 2023)

Method
1. Travel to an area with a good wifi connection and without liquid spilled on the table (safety
and ethics, as explained below)
2. On your computer, open PHET online simulator using the link.
3. Select Lab.
4. Select the summer environment, the environmental factor of limited food, and all of the
mutations (fur, ears, teeth).
5. Add a mate, and allow the rabbits to mate for 5 generations, then pause the simulator.
6. Select the environmental factor of wolves, and continue the simulator from generations
5-15.
7. Record the population of white rabbits for, generations 5-15 using the “data probe” tool.
This is to find out how the presence of wolves affects the number of white-furred
rabbits (No.#) over time (generations 5-15) during the summer period.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for another 4 times and store all the data into a google sheet document,
where the raw data will be processed.

Safety, ethics & environmental considerations

Safety/precautions:
- In order to make the simulator run smoothly, there must be nothing disputing the computer.
This includes having a good wifi connection and no liquid that might be spilled on the
computer to damage it.
Safety/Ethics:
- The experiment must be done online on a simulator so no animals get harmed in real life. If
done in real life, rabbits will be forcefully fed and eaten by wolves, while their mutations are
controlled by scientists, which is unethical and unsafe for the animals.
Environmental:
- The experiment must be done online on a simulator so the environment in real life does not
get damaged. The experiment considers environmental factors such as the weather/terrain,
limited food, and food quality. While good for the experiment, these factors might harm the
environment in real life.

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Results
Results are shown above in the table and graph.

Data Analysis, Evaluation of the hypothesis & Conclusion

Data Analysis
The graph concaves down, which suggests a negative nonlinear correlation between the IV and
DV that matches the graph in my hypothesis. The shape of my graph supports my data, because,
from generations 5-6, the white rabbit population plummeted by 73%, with subsequent generations
experiencing progressively smaller declines: 37% from 68 to 43, 21% from 43 to 34, 12% from 34
to 30, and so on.

There were a few outliers in the table and they have been highlighted. However, the graph did not
have any anomalies, as all the average populations of each generation matched the trendline,
calculated using the r square value.

Conclusion
In conclusion, as the generation of rabbits (IV) increases, the population of white fur rabbits (DV)
decreases with a negative nonlinear correlation between the IV and DV.

This makes sense under the context of our investigation because the wolves introduced in a
brown summer environment will prey on conspicuous white rabbits, reducing their population,
while camouflaged brown rabbits will likely flourish and become more numerous (American
Museum of Natural History, 2024).

Evaluation of Hypothesis
The results of my investigation match my hypothesis, which proves that as the generation of
rabbits (IV) increases, the population of white fur rabbits (DV) decreases.

Differences between my hypothesis and experiment are minor, but my experiment results of the
relationship between IV and DV concave down more dramatically from generations 5-6 compared
to my hypothesized graph.

The hypothesis is considered valid as the data exhibits a negative nonlinear correlation between
the independent variable (IV) and the dependent variable (DV). The standard deviation error bars
are consistent with the trendline's trajectory, which is supported by an R-square value of 0.503.
This R-square value is appropriate given the negative nonlinear nature of the IV-DV relationship,

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indicating it's not directly proportional and thus not expected to be near 1. The SD values remain
close to zero across generations, with an exception at generation 5 (SD: 13), which is justifiable
since wolves, which would control the rabbit population, had not been introduced yet so numbers
will vary.

Evaluation of the Method

Based on the results, my method is reliable. It provides accurate results, with data points
decreasing at a predictable rate. In my data, the population of rabbits decreased in a negative
nonlinear correlation with the IV, from 243 all the way down to 1. From generations 5-6, the white
rabbit population plummeted by 73%, with subsequent generations experiencing progressively
smaller declines: 37% from 68 to 43, 21% from 43 to 34, 12% from 34 to 30, and so on. The
consistent decline in the white rabbit population with controlled decrease rates suggests that the
simulation method is capable of producing reproducible results, indicating effective control of
variables and precise manipulation of the dependent variable through the algorithm, making it
reliable.

Strengths + Valid Scientific Model: In the approach I've taken, the investigation utilized an
algorithmic simulator, which enabled precise control over the dependent variable—the population
of white rabbits—through objective algorithmic data. The simulator's accuracy is evident as it
encompasses all pertinent natural selection variables: environmental terrain, rabbit mutations, food
quality, availability, and predation, among others. The numbers were objectively measured through
the algorithm, so the results are accurate.

Weaknesses: However, there are some limitations to the simulators. While this simulator is
accurate, objective, and considers many factors, at the end of the day, it is still an online
simulation. The factors considering natural selection are endless (diseases, other species in the
terrain, multiple predators, competition for resources, and so on), so this experiment would be the
most accurate in real life.

Evaluation: But, due to ethical and environmental considerations as explained above, an online
experiment is still preferred. A real-life experiment also takes much more money, time, and man
power to conduct. In addition, although this simulation is not perfect, all of the most important
control variables and factors can be manipulated as explained above, so the results are still
accurate enough for us to answer the RQ.

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Improvements & Further Investigations

Enhancing the simulator's realism could involve incorporating additional control variables such as
diseases, alternative food sources, and a broader range of predators, which addresses all the
current weaknesses of the simulator. With more variables, more real-life scenarios that can affect
the population of white-furred rabbits will be considered, and thus our data will be more reliable
and reproducibility will also be improved. To further reduce anomalies in the experiment,
increasing the number of trials, such as conducting 10 or more, could yield more precise data.
Considering more real-world factors and increasing the trial amount would definitely improve the
reliability and reproducibility of the data generated by the simulator.

An extension of the current research could investigate the role of mutations in the ears, teeth, and
fur of rabbits in natural selection. This is significant because, currently, the study only focuses on
skin color and its advantage in predator evasion through camouflage. As survival involves a
spectrum of traits, examining these additional factors could provide a more nuanced
understanding of evolutionary pressures. Comparing the impact of these mutations with the effect
of skin color would allow us to determine which natural selection factors more significantly drive
population changes.

VI. Works Cited List

American Museum of Natural History (2024). How Does Natural Selection Work? 5 Basic Steps
(VISTA) | AMNH. [online] Available at:
https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/darwin/evolution-today/natural-selection-vista#:~:text=Natural%2
0selection%20is%20a%20simple,%2C%20Selection%2C%20Time%20and%20Adaptation.
[Accessed 1 Mar. 2024].

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