Driftworm Activity This simulation, like evolution itself, is based on random events. You will be able to understand that random events are a driving force of evolution visualize how genetic drift affects diversity in a population realize the unpredictable nature of evolution To complete this Genetic Drift Simulation you need the “Worm Worksheet” 5 different colored pencils dice

In the above examples, the populations of worms are not evolving--neither the genotypes nor phenotypes are changing. For evolution to occur, there must be mutation, selection, or random genetic drift.  There needs to be diversity!! Mix up the gene pool. In real life, some individuals have more offspring than others--purely by chance. The survival and reproductions of organisms is subject to unpredictable accidents. It doesn't matter how good your driftworm genes are if you get squished by a shoe before producing offspring

6-sided die will determine how many offspring each worm has 6-sided die will determine how many offspring each worm has. (If it lands on 6, re-roll the die.)

7. Then draw a line after your fixed allele generation and begin again 5 6 7 8 9

Discussion Questions Explain why there is no point in adding more generations after all the worms are one color (when an allele has become fixed)? At a population of 5, what is the mean number of generations until an allele becomes fixed? If the population was increased to 10, would the mean number of generations until an allele becomes fixed increase or decrease? Explain why.