Simulating Evolution: Adaptation of Beak Styles in Response to Seed Collection Efficiency

Darwin's groundbreaking observations on the Galapagos Islands laid the foundation for our understanding of evolution through natural selection. One aspect of this revolutionary theory focused on the adaptation of finches to their environments, particularly in the variation of their beaks. This experiment aims to replicate the concept of adaptation by simulating the evolution of beak styles in a population of "birds" using various clamping devices. The hypothesis predicts a shift in frequency, with tongs increasing and chopsticks decreasing, reflecting the adaptability of different beak styles to the collection of sunflower seeds.

The hypothesis proposes that the frequency of tongs will increase, while the frequency of chopsticks will decrease over the course of the experiment. This prediction is rooted in the assumption that tongs are more efficient in seed collection, providing a selective advantage that favors their prevalence in the simulated bird population. The hypothesis is informed by the experimenter's prior knowledge and experiences in using both instruments for picking up food.

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The experiment utilizes a variety of clamping devices to represent different beak styles found in birds. The materials include sunflower seeds, small Dixie paper cups, tongs, clothespins, chopsticks, tweezers, hair clips, chip clips, binder clips, paper, and a pencil. Each participant receives one type of beak, and the experiment involves picking up sunflower seeds and placing them into individual cups within a one-minute time frame. After each round, individuals with the least amount of seeds undergo simulated "death" and adopt the beak style of those with the most seeds. The survival and evolution of beak styles are tracked over five rounds.

Calculations and Formulas:

1. Frequency Calculation:
   • Calculate the frequency of each beak style after each round by dividing the number of individuals with a specific beak by the total number of individuals.
     Frequency= Total Number of Individuals Number of Individuals with Specific Beak ​
   • Percent Change Calculation: Determine the percent change in frequency for tongs and chopsticks between consecutive rounds to analyze the directional trend in adaptation.
     Percent Change=( Frequency in Previous Round Frequency in Current Round−Frequency in Previous Round ​ )×100

Experimental Procedure:

Distribute different beak styles to participants, ensuring a representative variety in the initial population.
Conduct five rounds of seed collection, with individuals using their assigned beaks to pick up sunflower seeds and deposit them into their cups.
After each round, identify individuals with the least seeds as "deceased" and assign them the beak style of individuals with the most seeds.
Record the frequencies of each beak style after each round.
Create a graph illustrating the changes in beak frequencies over the five rounds.

Data/Observations:

Plot a line graph illustrating the changes in frequency for both tongs and chopsticks over the five rounds. Ensure proper labeling of the x-axis (rounds) and y-axis (frequency).

Frequency Trends:

Analyze the graph to identify trends in the frequency of tongs and chopsticks. Determine if the frequencies align with the hypothesis.

Calculate the percent change in frequency between consecutive rounds for both tongs and chopsticks. Interpret the results to understand the rate of adaptation.

In conclusion, the experiment simulates the process of evolution through natural selection by observing the changes in beak styles (tongs and chopsticks) in response to seed collection efficiency. The data, analyzed through frequencies and percent changes, provides insights into the adaptation of beak styles over multiple rounds. The results contribute to our understanding of evolutionary processes and mimic the principles observed by Darwin in his study of finches on the Galapagos Islands.