Atlantic Forest
General Methadology for Instructors and TAs

Exercise 3: Natural Selection/Evolution: Ecotypic Variation
Module 3: Natural Selection and Evolution

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  1. Background Lecture
    • Information on ecological gradients, ecotypes and natural selection (Begon et al.)
    • Basic statistical techniques (t-test and ANOVA)
  2. Activities in the experiment
    • Selection of gradient and species
    • Establishment of transects
    • Collection of individuals for measurement of traits
    • Data analysis and comparison
  3. Hypotheses to test
  4. Independent variables in the experiment
  5. Dependent variables that they could use in their experimental design.
  6. Student evaluation
    • Based on presentation of results (written and oral)
  7. Preparation notes
    • Possible traits to use:
      • Leaf length or width or thickness or weight
      • Presence of hairs
      • Number of flowers or seeds
      • Size of flowers or seeds