Why Did the Snake Cross the Road?
A Population Genetics and Habitat Conservation Case Study
Author(s)
School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section
Cornell University
mtd66@cornell.edu
Abstract
Although Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a fundamental part of introductory biology classes, students often have difficulty understanding its implications. This interrupted case study places students in the role of small teams who are conducting preliminary research into the impact of roads on the population structure of timber rattlesnakes in order to apply for a grant for further research. Research groups consisting of 3-4 students work through a series of questions allowing them to use HWE principles to discover for themselves how deviations from HWE can have implications for conservation biology. Periodic interruptions with help sheets (see Supplemental Materials) allow teachers to maintain an active role in the students' progress, while also demonstrating the collaborative nature of scientific research. Ultimately students formulate formal emails summarizing and interpreting their findings in order to "apply" for the grant. The case is designed for undergraduate students in introductory biology or in lower-level population genetics/conservation courses where connecting basic genetic principles to ecology and sustainability is key.
Objectives
- Address realistic scientific questions and practice critical thinking.
- Gain a better appreciation for the benefits and challenges of collaborative work.
- Apply HWE equations to real-life data analysis.
- Apply ecological genetic tools to interpret population subdivision.
- Demonstrate how to compose formal emails communicating scientific results.
Keywords
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; HWE; ecological genetics; population genetics; conservation; sustainability; timber rattlesnakes; landscape fragmentation; population structure; field scienceTopical Areas
Policy issuesEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Interrupted, Role-PlayLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Ecology | Evolutionary Biology | Genetics / Heredity | Wildlife Management | Science Education |
Date Posted
11/3/2016Teaching Notes
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Supplemental Materials
The following file contains two help sheets for instructors to distribute when running the case.
Help Sheets
Answer Key
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