Natural selection involves changes in the genetic makeup of a population over a period of time. The random change of DNA from parent to offspring, called mutations, can help produce variations in offspring. Some mutations can be helpful, while others can be
harmful. In this experiment, students modeled random mutations. Data was collected to determine if the mutations were helpful or
harmful when trying to collect and eat food.
Imagine climate change causes an increase in global temperature, polar ice melts, and sea levels on Earth rise. The organisms in this study
live in a coastal marsh. Global warming has caused flooding and the once marshy habitat is underwater. Compare and contrast the traits of
each group. Which group would most likely survive and reproduce in this new habitat?