Lesson Plan

Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations

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This Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations lesson plan also includes:

In the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, some tiny creatures show just how quickly natural selection can turn a mutation into an advantageous adaptation. Watch a video about rock pocket mice, who show that one small change can make all the difference in survival when the landscape changes drastically. After watching the video, high schoolers take a look at the Hardy-Weinberg theorem, perform some calculations regarding the frequency of heterozygous genotypes in the rock pocket mouse population, and answer some short analysis questions. 

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CCSS: Designed
NGSS: Designed
Pros
  • Excellent example of natural selection as a result of mutation
  • Cross-curricular activities show one way that algebra is used in science
  • Real-world case study helps solidify the concepts of genotype and phenotype
Cons
  • None