Six classroom exercises to teach natural selection to undergraduate biology students

CBE Life Sci Educ. 2013 Fall;12(3):483-93. doi: 10.1187/cbe-12-06-0070.

Abstract

Students in introductory biology courses frequently have misconceptions regarding natural selection. In this paper, we describe six activities that biology instructors can use to teach undergraduate students in introductory biology courses how natural selection causes evolution. These activities begin with a lesson introducing students to natural selection and also include discussions on sexual selection, molecular evolution, evolution of complex traits, and the evolution of behavior. The set of six topics gives students the opportunity to see how natural selection operates in a variety of contexts. Pre- and postinstruction testing showed students' understanding of natural selection increased substantially after completing this series of learning activities. Testing throughout this unit showed steadily increasing student understanding, and surveys indicated students enjoyed the activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Biology / education*
  • Data Collection
  • Dogs
  • Educational Measurement
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Selection, Genetic*
  • Students*
  • Teaching*
  • Universities*