Population Genetics evo-edu.org

Population genetics simulations and support materials for allele frequency change, drift, selection, mutation, and migration.

Teacher Guide

Allele Tracker teacher notes and classroom moves

Use Allele Tracker to compare adaptive and non-adaptive change, but keep population thinking, repeated runs, and explicit model limits in view throughout the lesson.

Open application Learner guide Standards About and provenance

Teacher focus

What this tool is best for

  • Comparing drift, selection, mutation, and migration without collapsing them into one generic story of adaptation.
  • Practicing population thinking through visible allele-frequency change over repeated generations.
  • Using repeated runs as evidence when chance affects outcomes.

What to avoid

  • Do not let learners treat one dramatic run as decisive evidence.
  • Do not talk as if every change in frequency is adaptive.
  • Do not let the interface density hide the conceptual question you want the class to answer.

Quick classroom metadata

Best fit

  • High school biology
  • Introductory undergraduate evolution
  • Independent study with Notebook support

Preparation notes

  • Recommended class time: 20 to 45 minutes
  • Best on larger screens because the legacy runtime remains dense
  • Plan a visible first challenge before learners begin changing many parameters at once

Suggested lesson flow

Short lesson

  1. Define the starting population and run a drift-only baseline.
  2. Repeat the same setup and compare whether fixation or loss occurs at the same time.
  3. Add one force such as weak selection or migration and compare the new pattern.
  4. End by asking which explanation is best supported and what the model leaves out.

Longer lesson

  1. Assign different groups to drift, selection, mutation, or migration emphasis.
  2. Have each group defend its explanation using repeated-run evidence.
  3. Compare where chance dominated and where a directional force dominated.
  4. Connect the results to Notebook pages on allele frequency change, population thinking, and genetic drift.

Assessment and evidence

Useful artifacts

  • Parameter settings used in each comparison
  • Frequency plots from at least two repeated runs
  • Short explanation separating observation from inference
  • One revised claim after conflicting evidence appears

Strong student response

A strong response distinguishes drift from directional forces, names the evidence used, and explains why repeated outcomes or conflicting outcomes matter for the interpretation.

Fairness and provenance

Allele Tracker is the current evo-edu public route built around the older PopG simulation lineage. The original model lineage and later porting work should be discussed fairly with students and colleagues when provenance matters; see the about and provenance page for the explicit lineage note.