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Originally published as Genetics Published Articles Ahead of Print on September 1, 2006.
Genetics, Vol. 174, 1073-1079, November 2006, Copyright © 2006
doi:10.1534/genetics.106.061234
Can Random Mutation Mimic Design?: A Guided Inquiry Laboratory for Undergraduate Students
Steven T. Kalinowski*,1,
Mark L. Taper* and
Anneke M. Metz
* Department of Ecology and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717
1 Corresponding author: Department of Ecology, Montana State University, 310 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717.
E-mail: skalinowski{at}montana.edu
Complex biological structures, such as the human eye, have been interpreted as evidence for a creator for over three centuries. This raises the question of whether random mutation can create such adaptations. In this article, we present an inquiry-based laboratory experiment that explores this question using paper airplanes as a model organism. The main task for students in this investigation is to figure out how to simulate paper airplane evolution (including reproduction, inheritance, mutation, and selection). In addition, the lab requires students to practice analytic thinking and to carefully delineate the implications of their results.
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Genetics 2006 174: NP.