Evolutionary biologist Hopi Hoekstra and colleagues have hypothesized that the burrow-digging behavior of mice (and the resulting shape of their underground burrows) is heritable—innate and not learned. Design an experiment to test this hypothesis.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Define the hypothesis and variables. Hypothesis: The burrow-digging behavior and the resulting shape of the burrows in mice are heritable traits. Independent Variable: Genetic makeup of the mice. Dependent Variable: The shape and characteristics of the burrows dug by the mice.
2. Step 2: Select a suitable population of mice. Use two groups of mice with known genetic differences related to burrowing behavior. Ensure that one group has a history of specific burrowing traits, while the other group does not.
3. Step 3: Control environmental factors. Raise both groups of mice in a controlled environment where all external factors such as food, space, and soil type are kept constant to ensure that any differences observed in burrowing behavior are due to genetics rather than environmental factors.
4. Step 4: Observe and record burrowing behavior. Allow both groups of mice to dig burrows in similar controlled environments. Document the shape, size, and complexity of the burrows using standardized measurement techniques. Record these observations over multiple generations to see if the traits persist.
5. Step 5: Analyze the data and draw conclusions. Compare the burrowing behaviors and burrow characteristics between the two groups of mice. Use statistical analysis to determine if there are significant differences that can be attributed to genetics. Confirm the hypothesis if the traits are consistently observed in the genetically predisposed group across generations.

Key Concepts

Heritability

Heritability refers to the proportion of variation in a trait among individuals in a population that can be attributed to genetic differences. In the context of the burrow-digging behavior of mice, understanding heritability is crucial to determine whether this behavior is passed down from parents to offspring, indicating a genetic basis rather than being learned through experience.

Behavioral Genetics

Behavioral genetics is the field of study that examines the role of genetic and environmental influences on behaviors. This concept is essential for designing experiments that isolate genetic factors affecting burrow-digging behavior, allowing researchers to differentiate between innate behaviors and those acquired through learning or environmental factors.

Experimental Design

Experimental design involves planning how to conduct an experiment to test a hypothesis effectively. In this case, it would include selecting appropriate mouse populations, controlling environmental variables, and determining methods for measuring burrow characteristics, ensuring that the results can accurately reflect the heritability of the burrow-digging behavior.