Clippy Island - Investigation into Natural Selection

From the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), this selection of activities are suitable for Key Stage Four students investigating natural selection. Using spring clips of different sizes, students 'feed' on a range of seeds to see the effect of beak size. Different scenarios look at how seed availability influences the population over time. Student objectives: * To understand that organisms show natural variation within a population * To understand that species characteristics can change over periods of time * To understand that natural selection is the main mechanism which drives evolution * To know that natural selection acts on individuals and that populations evolve * To understand that adaptations are controlled by genes and that these genes are passed from parent to offspring The resource was developed by a team of scientists, curators and educators from The University of Manchester and The Manchester Museum. BBSRC is a part of Research Councils UK (RCUK).