AP Biology students simulate Artificial Selection

Students in Advanced Placement Biology are currently studying genetics and are simulating Artificial Selection of a specific gene this week. In this case, hair growth on a plant is a polygenic trait, found on many different chromosomes.

Students planted Wisconsin Fast Seeds before Thanksgiving. Once the plant began to grow their first true leaves, students selected the plant in their Parental generation with the most hair growth to pollinate the F1 generation.

Pictures below include initial seeding from November 16. Yesterday, the class counted the hairs and began pollination with dead bees. The class will continue to pollinate throughout the rest of the week.

SPCHS Junior Connor Atwell tells us more about the lab above.

Photos from the lab can be viewed in the gallery below!