Co-evolution

In the activity we did about co-evolution each table was a different species of a bird. We were given either a fork, spoon, or knife which represented our beak. Then, we all gathered around on the floor and had to collect "food" for our species. The different foods were red beans, white beans, split peas, and macaroni. These represented different varieties of beans of the same species. After we collected our beans we went back to our tables and counted how many each group got. The first time nobody did very well, but as we went on more groups found ways to pick up the beans easier. Some people were using their legs or other people to get beans. Some people were working together. However, some species of the bird didn't do very well. By the end the knives barely stayed alive. The spoons did very well and the forks did pretty well. The spoons were the best adapted because of their beak shape. The beans also adapted. At the end of the activity there was a majority of split peas left (361). They were best adapted because of their shape. There are 5 red beans left at the end. They weren't adapted as well because of their shape and color. They were easy to see and pick up. The birds and beans evolved together as we went along with the activity, which is why it demonstrates co-evolution. This activity demonstrated natural selection because over time the knives dwindled but the forks and spoons got more "birds". Over time certain species of bird grew larger in number. I really enjoyed this activity. It got pretty competitive at times, but that is what happens in nature. The activity really helped me to understand this concept and what was happening. I love hands on activities and I would definitely use this in the future. 

   







This picture was the first time I collected beans. I didn't do very well, but over time I got a lot better at picking them up.













This photo was taken towards the end and is of all of the beans my group collected. We did very well.