A P Biology Genetics & Evolution lab Adapt of Bird Beaks Darwin

This activity has students model how different environmental factors can favor certain traits. Instead of using nuts and rice, you might choose to use birdseed which includes a variety of seed sizes. Students will discover how different beaks can impact what a bird is able to eat—detailed directions illustrated with clip art of different bird species. A must-lab for every teacher of evolution!

Great lab for your nature lesson at camp!

Objectives

Understand that birds occupy different niches in the environment, allowing many birds to live in the same area.

Understand that birds have different types of beaks and the beak type reflects the kind of food eaten

Materials

Several different tools for picking up small things, such as regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, tweezers, kitchen tongs

Tray with small objects, such as nuts and rice

Small Cup