Lab: Natural Selection Assignment: Lab Report Active
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E Lab Report Guide

In this experiment, I observed how natural selection affects organisms (three flocks of birds were observed) in an ecosystem. What is natural selection? According to National Geographic Society, “Natural selection is the process through which populations of living organisms adapt and change”.

Before starting the experiment, I studied three flocks of birds (Flocks X, Y and Z) and their beak types and preferred food sources. The information I gathered is included in the table below.

Once I had the information needed, I proceeded on with the first round. In this round, I observed all three flocks eat approximately 200 pieces of food available to them. Scattered on the ground were various fruits, seeds, and insects-- the preferred food of each flock. With all three food sources available, each flock got to eat a decent amount. However, Flock X was able to eat the most compared to Flocks Y and Z because they were able to eat other options available if fruit was not in reach.

Since Flock X was able to eat quite a bit during this round, I predicted that they will not be able to if fruit was taken away. Hence, the fruit was removed because of a plant disease and I tested my hypothesis to see whether it was accurate or not. During this new round, I noticed Flock X was able to eat some food, but not as much as the previous round. Flocks Y and Z had more of an advantage this time, because their preferred food sources were available to them, so they had plenty of food.

In conclusion, phenotypes and the availability of food sources affects the organisms’ survival. The birds all have a certain kind of beak, depending on the type of food they eat. Therefore, if one organisms’ food choice is removed, they struggle to find food which is capable of causing their population to decrease.

-sarbear97