Intraspecific competition in Bean Beetles

 

Christopher W. Beck & Lawrence S. Blumer

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2009, Volume 30

Abstract

In this study, we challenge students to design experiments to determine (1) whether females attempt to minimize competition among their offspring and (2) what the effects of competition are offspring life history traits. The student handout does not give students a detailed protocol for the experiment because we have developed this study as a guided inquiry exercise. This method of teaching and learning requires that instructors guide the development experimental protocols by students and then permit students to conduct their experiments. It is necessary and appropriate to expect some variation between classes and instructors in the specific experimental design used to address a given question.

Keywords:  competition, Callosobruchus, bean beetle, life history traits

University of Toronto, Mississauga (2008)