Stickleback Lab
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Ricky Vance
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Biology 120 Lab
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February 1, 2013
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Ricky Vance
-------------------------------------------------
Biology 120 Lab
-------------------------------------------------
February 1, 2013
Phenotypic Variation of the Stickleback Phenotypic Variation of the Stickleback 2013
2013
Abstract:
The purpose of the research was to formulate a question and develop a hypothesis based on the variations observed between two populations of threespine stickleback, in order to gain a better understanding of natural selection and evolution. Measurements were taken of the number of scutes, ventral length and standard length in Population A. Population B data was provided by instructor. Four null hypotheses were formed on each of the measurements taken, the last hypothesis being no difference between populations. Data was collected from classmates and then compiled together into an excel spreadsheet. Using the spreadsheet, determined confidences intervals and looked for overlapping in the populations. From the confidence interval, it was concluded that there was a significant change between the populations. All of the hypotheses were rejected except for one. Thus proving phenotypic variation and natural selection occurred.
Introduction:
Stickleback are most commonly found in the ocean, but can be found in some freshwater lakes. Sticklebacks are noticeable by the presence of isolated spines in the dorsal fin and a number of lateral bony plates known as scutes. Their maximum length is about four inches, but few of them are more than three inches long. They mature sexually at a length of about two inches. All species show a similar mating behavior, which is also unusual among fish. The males construct a nest from vegetation held together by secretions
Ricky Vance
-------------------------------------------------
Biology 120 Lab
-------------------------------------------------
February 1, 2013
-------------------------------------------------
Ricky Vance
-------------------------------------------------
Biology 120 Lab
-------------------------------------------------
February 1, 2013
Phenotypic Variation of the Stickleback Phenotypic Variation of the Stickleback 2013
2013
Abstract:
The purpose of the research was to formulate a question and develop a hypothesis based on the variations observed between two populations of threespine stickleback, in order to gain a better understanding of natural selection and evolution. Measurements were taken of the number of scutes, ventral length and standard length in Population A. Population B data was provided by instructor. Four null hypotheses were formed on each of the measurements taken, the last hypothesis being no difference between populations. Data was collected from classmates and then compiled together into an excel spreadsheet. Using the spreadsheet, determined confidences intervals and looked for overlapping in the populations. From the confidence interval, it was concluded that there was a significant change between the populations. All of the hypotheses were rejected except for one. Thus proving phenotypic variation and natural selection occurred.
Introduction:
Stickleback are most commonly found in the ocean, but can be found in some freshwater lakes. Sticklebacks are noticeable by the presence of isolated spines in the dorsal fin and a number of lateral bony plates known as scutes. Their maximum length is about four inches, but few of them are more than three inches long. They mature sexually at a length of about two inches. All species show a similar mating behavior, which is also unusual among fish. The males construct a nest from vegetation held together by secretions
References: Nagel,L., Schluter, D. 1998. Body size, natural selection, and speciation in sticklebacks. Evolution. 52: 209-218. Lacasse, J., & Aubin-Horth, N. (2012). A test of the coupling of predator defense morphology and behavior variation in two threespine stickleback populations. Current Zoology, 58(1), 53-65. Stallsmith, B. Laboratory Manual for Organismic Biology. 2nd ed. Mason (OH): Cengage; 2006. p. 9-17. Lescak, E. A., & von Hippel, F. A. (2011). Selective predation of threespine stickleback by rainbow trout. Ecology of Freshwater Fish, 20(2), 308-314. Leinonen, T., Herczeg, G., Cano, J., & Merilä, J. (2011). Predation-Imposed Selection On Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus Aculeatus) Morphology: A Test Of The Refuge Use Hypothesis. Evolution, 65(10), 2916-2926 Pennisi, E. (2004). Changing a Fish 's Bony Armor in the Wink of a Gene. Science, 304(5678), 1736-1739. Grobis, M. M., Pearish, S. P., & Bell, A. M. (2013). Avoidance or escape? Discriminating between two hypotheses for the function of schooling in threespine sticklebacks. Animal Behavior, 85(1), 187-194.