Natural
Selection and Variation in Birds
Dan
Ardia
2002-2004 Fellow
This
lesson provides students with an opportunity to measure
and analyze natural intraspecific variation and to make
predictions about the relationship between the value of
a trait and reproductive success. The activities can be
carried out using either museum specimens of birds or
online photos of such specimens. In either case, students
assess variation in two traits often linked with reproductive
success: plumage color and bill size.The lesson is described
in this article:
To
conduct the activities using real bird specimens:
Borrow
bird specimens from an existing
natural history collection or science center. For
example, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has
a loan
kit of prepared specimens. Note: without an authorized
specimen loan or a federal permit, it is illegal to
possess live or dead individuals of any native bird
species except game species, such as ducks, geese and
pheasants (although these often require a state game
license). However, educational organizations can apply
for a Migratory
Bird Permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Download
these curriculum resources:
Student
Materials (PDF files):
