Natural Selection and Genetic Mutations

The video explores natural selection using a Phet simulation with bunnies. It demonstrates how random mutations, such as brown fur or long teeth, affect survival and dominance in different environments. The simulation shows how these traits can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the setting, illustrating the principles of natural selection.

What is the primary mechanism by which natural selection operates?

• Environmental changes

• Predator-prey interactions

• Random mutations

• Genetic drift

In the simulation, what happens to bunnies with brown fur when wolves are introduced?

• They migrate to a different area

• They are more likely to be eaten

• They blend into the environment and survive

• They become the dominant species immediately

How does a dominant mutation for long teeth affect the bunnies in the simulation?

• It makes them more visible to predators

• It has no effect on their survival

• It allows them to eat more food

• It causes them to reproduce less

What is the effect of a recessive gene for brown fur in a population of white bunnies?

• It remains hidden unless two copies are present

• It leads to a sudden increase in brown bunnies

• It has no effect on the population

• It becomes dominant immediately

What happens to white bunnies when they are placed in an Arctic environment?

• They develop brown fur to adapt

• They migrate to warmer areas

• They blend in and are less likely to be eaten

• They stand out and are easily caught by predators

Why do bunnies with long tails have an advantage in cold environments?

• They can store more food

• They are more attractive to mates

• They stay warmer

• They can run faster

What is the result of introducing a mutation for brown fur in a white environment?

• Brown bunnies become dominant

• Brown bunnies are more easily caught by predators

• Brown bunnies migrate to a different area

• Brown bunnies develop white fur

How does the introduction of wolves affect the bunny population in the simulation?

• It has no effect on the population

• It leads to a decrease in the bunny population

• It causes all bunnies to develop brown fur

• It causes bunnies to develop long teeth

What is the significance of a dominant mutation in a population?

• It is always beneficial

• It is expressed only if two copies are present

• It is always harmful

• It is expressed even if only one copy is present

What is the main takeaway from the simulation regarding natural selection?

• Predators do not influence natural selection

• Mutations have no impact on survival

• Environmental changes do not affect populations

• Small genetic changes can have significant effects