Students wonder why the trait for high arterial oxygen saturation has different frequencies in different areas of the world. They decide to create a model to help them explain this difference. They notice this trait has a lot more variation than they thought and decide to first model a simpler example. They learn about variation in populations of rock pocket mice and create a model that explains how the distribution of the trait changes over time and reflect on the model to identify the components of natural selection. Students use this model to return to the initial phenomenon to explain how that changes over time.

This is Lesson 4 of the High Altitude Living Unit. 

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Student Materials

Per Student

• Distribution of Genotypes for the EPAS1 Gene in Samples Taken from Populations at Different Altitudes
• Meet the Rock Pocket Mouse
• L4 Rock Pocket Mouse Data
• L4 Optional Handout Hardy-Weinberg Extension for AP Biology
• Reproductive Success in High Altitude Populations
• Explaining how high-altitude populations can change over time

Teacher Materials

• Lesson 4 Slide Deck