Divide the contents of a large bag of different-colored candies randomly and approximately equally among the members of the group. Do not pick specific candy colors, but simply empty the contents of the bag onto a table and quickly divide the pile. If you are doing this exercise by yourself, divide the contents of the bag into five piles. Identify what phenomenon explains the observed differences. What evolutionary mechanism do the observations emulate?

Key Concepts

Genetic Variation

Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population. This variation is crucial for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. In the context of the candy exercise, the different colors represent genetic traits, and their random distribution mimics how genetic traits are passed on and mixed in a population.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their advantages or disadvantages in a given environment. In the candy division, some colors may be more desirable or advantageous, similar to how certain genetic traits may enhance survival or reproduction, leading to changes in the population over time.

Random Sampling

Random sampling is a method used to select a subset of individuals from a larger population in a way that each individual has an equal chance of being chosen. This concept is essential in genetics as it reflects how alleles are randomly assorted during reproduction. The random division of candies emulates this process, illustrating how genetic traits can be distributed unpredictably among offspring.