Lesson summary for...

Using Magnetotactic Bacteria to Study Natural Selection

Author/Source: Culp, Tim
Overview:In this lab students observe bacteria that are able to orient themselves using the Earth's magnetic field, demonstrating that living organisms possess incredible adaptations which enable them to survive.
Concepts:This lesson covers the following concepts:
  • The process by which advantageous traits are maintained and disadvantageous traits are weeded out of a population is known as natural selection.
  • Natural selection acts on individuals and populations in a nonrandom way.
  • The proportion of individuals with advantageous characteristics may increase due to their increased likelihood of surviving and reproducing.
Grade Level:9-12
Time:one class period.
Teacher Background:Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson: