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Year 9

A model of natural selection

I can use a model of natural selection to make predictions about how a population will change over time.

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New
New
Year 9

A model of natural selection

I can use a model of natural selection to make predictions about how a population will change over time.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A simple model can be used to demonstrate natural selection, e.g. picking up green and white cocktail sticks from grass.
  2. The model can be used to make predictions about how a population will change over time due to natural selection.
  3. The prediction may change if the environmental conditions change (e.g. if the grass becomes frosty/snowy).

Common misconception

Thinking that populations of organisms stay the same forever.

This model clearly demonstrates that populations change over time due to natural selection, with advantageous traits (e.g. camouflage) becoming more common in the population.

Keywords

  • Natural selection - Organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to their offspring.

  • Model - Scientists use models as simpler representations of complex things and ideas.

  • Hypothesis - An idea based on observations about how something works.

  • Prediction - A scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome of an experiment.

If you cannot do the model experiment outside, you can paint half the cocktail sticks to match the floor, or a mat, carpet or rug, and the other half to contrast with it, then carry out the experiment indoors instead. Lollipop sticks can be used instead of cocktail sticks.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Individuals with advantageous characteristics are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to a process called natural .
Correct Answer: selection
Q2.
There are differences between these two individuals of the same species of peppered moth. Which word do we use in science for these differences?
An image in a quiz
competition
natural selection
Correct answer: variation
reproduction
Q3.
Which moth has an advantage in the competition to hide from predators?
An image in a quiz
the light-coloured moth
Correct answer: the dark-coloured moth
neither moth has an advantage
both moths have the advantage
Q4.
Which moth is the most likely to survive to reproduce?
An image in a quiz
the light-coloured moth
Correct answer: the dark-coloured moth
neither moth is likely to survive to reproduce
the two moths are equally likely to survive to reproduce
Q5.
The genes for which type of colouration are most likely to become more common in later generations of the moths?
An image in a quiz
the genes for light-colouration
Correct answer: the genes for dark-colouration
the genes for both types of colouration will be equally common
Q6.
Most of the trees in the moths’ habitat change to have light-coloured bark. Put the statements in order, to explain how this could cause the population of moths to change.
An image in a quiz
1 - the light-coloured moths are now better camouflaged, so have an advantage
2 - their advantage will help them in the competition to hide from predators
3 - they are more likely to survive and reproduce
4 - this means they can pass on the genes for light-colouration to their offspring
5 - over generations light-coloured moths will become more common in the population

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In the model of natural selection, what do the cocktail sticks represent?
An image in a quiz
habitat
predators
Correct answer: prey
advantage
natural selection
Q2.
In the model of natural selection, what do the students picking up the cocktail sticks represent?
An image in a quiz
habitat
Correct answer: predators
prey
environmental change
natural selection
Q3.
There is variation in colour between the individual cocktail sticks. The green cocktail sticks are better to stay hidden from predators in the grass.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: adapted, camouflaged
Q4.
Because they are better camouflaged against the grass, the green cocktail sticks have an in the competition to hide from the predators.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: advantage
Q5.
Whose prediction is most likely to come true after several rounds of the natural selection model experiment?
Jacob: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the grass will be white.”
Correct answer: Jun: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the grass will be green.”
Sofia: “There will be equal numbers of each colour left on the grass.”
Q6.
The natural selection model experiment is played on grey concrete instead of green grass. Whose prediction is most likely to come true after several rounds of the experiment?
An image in a quiz
Jacob: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the concrete will be white.”
Jun: “Most of the cocktail sticks left on the concrete will be green.”
Correct answer: Sofia: “There’ll be roughly equal numbers of each colour left on the concrete.”

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