Peppered Moth Simulation
This is a paper and pencil activity, or “dry lab,” that simulates the iconic evolutionary phenomenon of the Peppered Moth. Students mimic the light and dark colorings of the Peppered Moth by using white paper and newspaper. Students collect data on the number of moths collected by a predator in 15 seconds from a light background and a dark background. Student questions, data tables, etc. are included. In this activity, students are asked to describe the importance of coloration in avoiding predation, relate environmental change to changes in organisms, and explain how natural selection causes populations to change. This activity directly relates to the learning expectation of explaining how genetic variation and changing environment can cause a species to show new adaptations.
