BIO 105 Science of Biology w/Lab

Experiment 2Genetic Drift Experiment Inventory

Beads in Beaker #1 (from Experiment 1)

Beads in Beaker #2 (from Experiment 1)

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EXPERIMENT 2: GENETIC DRIFT

Genetic drift, the variation in the gene pool and/or gene frequency of a population, can result from a variety of stochastic (random) events. Consider the following population of butterflies that had half of its habitat destroyed by wildfire (Figure 5):

Figure 5: Butterfly populations before and after wildfire.

The remaining population has 50% of the initial gene pool (two colors), and the gene frequency is different. As these individuals reproduce, their offspring will no longer reflect the original population.

PROCEDURE

1. Randomly remove half of the beads from Beakers #1 and #2. This is representative of a destructive stochastic event, such

as a wildfire. Keep the beads separated so they can be returned to their proper beaker. You will need them for the next

experiment.

2. Use the remaining beads in each beaker to answer the post-lab questions. Then, place all of the beads back in their re

spective beakers.

3. Repeat this process four more times (five total).

4. Answer the post-lab questions.

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