In this activity, you will simulate a case of natural selectionin a predator-prey situation.

You will need a fork, knife, and a spoon for the "predators" to"catch" the "prey". For the "prey" you will need three differentobjects (3 of each). Consider beans, uncooked pasta, or cottonballs.

Answer the following questions.

Which prey type do you think will avoid capture more often than theother prey types?

Which predator do you think will succeed in capturing the mostprey?

Simulate a hunting session.

Provide an environment (bowl or container) filled with 100 ofeach "prey" type (Consider beans, uncooked pasta, or cottonballs). Give yourself a minute to "catch" the "prey"with each "predator" separately (total of 3 minutes). Place each"prey" that is caught into a cup. Count your results aftereach "predator" simulation.

Which prey was the best adapted? What data do you have to supportthis?

In what ways does this activity demonstrate the process ofnatural selection and its consequences?