Teaching Heritability Using Butterfly Images: Real Organisms, Real Measurements

 

Vondrasek, J. R. & S. Paulsen

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Abstract

We have developed a free, downloadable program [website for program download: www.tinyurl.com/butterflygeneticslab] that uses digitized images of butterfly wings (Precis coenia) from parent-offspring pairs as a platform that allows students to measure physical traits and calculate the heritability for that trait. Students are able to choose the trait they wish to measure, such as eyespot diameter or distance between wing bars, measure the trait using an on-screen data capture tool, and then export measurements into a spreadsheet or statistical package for analysis. The basic lab exercise is suitable for introductory majors biology and sophomore level genetics classes. Advanced genetics classes can perform more detailed analyses such as which categories of traits have higher heritabilities. Activities based on this program can be used as a lab activity to be completed in a 3-hour time block or as lecture supplements. Student handouts and instructor support materials, including pre-lab Powerpoint slides and formatted sample data sets are available from JRV.

Keywords:  genetics, evolution, heritability, laboratory exercise

University of Delaware (2009)