ERIC Number: EJ884159
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Feb
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-7685
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
PopGen Fishbowl: A Free Online Simulation Model of Microevolutionary Processes
Jones, Thomas C.; Laughlin, Thomas F.
American Biology Teacher, v72 n2 p100-103 Feb 2010
Natural selection and other components of evolutionary theory are known to be particularly challenging concepts for students to understand. To help illustrate these concepts, we developed a simulation model of microevolutionary processes. The model features all the components of Hardy-Weinberg theory, with population size, selection, gene flow, nonrandom mating, and mutation all being demonstrated in the simulations. By using this freely available computer model, students can develop and test hypotheses with replicated virtual experiments. Because the model is an agent-based simulation, there is biologically realistic variability in the results. Students using the model see results both numerically and graphically, and these are reinforced by an animation of the virtual fish in the simulated experiment.
Descriptors: Evolution, Science Instruction, Biology, Scientific Concepts, Concept Formation, Simulation, Computer Uses in Education, Animation, Science Experiments
University of California Press. 2000 Center Street Suite 303, Berkeley, CA 94704. Tel: 510-643-7154; Fax: 510-642-9917; e-mail: customerservice@ucpressjournals.com; Web site: http://www.ucpressjournals.com/journal.asp?j=abt
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Students; Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A