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The American Biology Teacher

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Using David Lack’s Observations of Finch Beak Size to Teach Natural Selection & the Nature of Science
Andrea M.-K. Bierema, David W. Rudge
The American Biology Teacher, Vol. 76 No. 5, May 2014; (pp. 312-317) DOI: 10.1525/abt.2014.76.5.4
ANDREA MARIE-KRYGER BIEREMA is a Research Doctoral Associate in Science Education at Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5444; e-mail: andrea.m.kryger@wmich.edu.
  • For correspondence: andrea.m.kryger@wmich.edu
DAVID WYSS RUDGE is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University; e-mail: david.rudge@wmich.edu.
  • For correspondence: david.rudge@wmich.edu
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Abstract

One of the key aspects of natural selection is competition, yet the concept of competition is not necessarily emphasized in explanations of natural selection. Because of this, we developed an activity for our class that focuses on competition and provides an example of the effects of competition on natural selection. This hands-on activity models the field study completed by David Lack on Darwin’s finches. By using this historical study, we also give students an example of the nature-of-science concept of multiple methods. Although this activity was created for a college introductory biology course, it is appropriate for high school. We also provide an additional objective for upper-level ecology and evolution courses.

Key Words:
  • Competition
  • Darwin’s finches
  • David Lack
  • evolution
  • multiple methods
  • natural selection
  • © 2014 by National Association of Biology Teachers. All rights reserved. Request permission to photocopy or reproduce article content at the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions Web site at http://www.ucpressjournals.com/reprintinfo.asp.
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Vol. 76 No. 5, May 2014

The American Biology Teacher: 76 (5)
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Using David Lack’s Observations of Finch Beak Size to Teach Natural Selection & the Nature of Science
Andrea M.-K. Bierema, David W. Rudge
The American Biology Teacher, Vol. 76 No. 5, May 2014; (pp. 312-317) DOI: 10.1525/abt.2014.76.5.4
ANDREA MARIE-KRYGER BIEREMA is a Research Doctoral Associate in Science Education at Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5444; e-mail: andrea.m.kryger@wmich.edu.
  • For correspondence: andrea.m.kryger@wmich.edu
DAVID WYSS RUDGE is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University; e-mail: david.rudge@wmich.edu.
  • For correspondence: david.rudge@wmich.edu

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Using David Lack’s Observations of Finch Beak Size to Teach Natural Selection & the Nature of Science
Andrea M.-K. Bierema, David W. Rudge
The American Biology Teacher, Vol. 76 No. 5, May 2014; (pp. 312-317) DOI: 10.1525/abt.2014.76.5.4
ANDREA MARIE-KRYGER BIEREMA is a Research Doctoral Associate in Science Education at Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5444; e-mail: andrea.m.kryger@wmich.edu.
  • For correspondence: andrea.m.kryger@wmich.edu
DAVID WYSS RUDGE is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University; e-mail: david.rudge@wmich.edu.
  • For correspondence: david.rudge@wmich.edu
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  • Top
  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Darwin’s Finches & David Lack’s Study
    • Laboratory Investigation
    • Summative Assessment
    • Activity Modifications
    • Conclusion
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
  • Figures & Data
  • Info & Metrics
  • PDF

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