ES 3.4.2 Explain the process of natural selection including variation, overproduction, competition, and survival of the best adapted

Instructions:

You will measure and record the lengths of 25 pine needles using millimeter units. Record the length of each individual needle in the data table provided.

Needle	Length	Needle	Length
1	14
2	15
3	16
4	17
5	18
6	19
7	20
8	21
9	22
10	23
11	24
12	25
13	AVERAGE

How many needles were average in length (+ /- 1 mm)?

How many needles were below average?

How many needles were above average?

Generate a bar graph of the percent of individuals who were average, below, or above average in the space below. Be sure to include a labeled x and y axis as well as a title.

Analysis:

Why would the pine tree have an advantage if most of it’s needles were average size?

If we used different trees of the same species, would you expect to collect the same data if you repeated this experiment?

If we used different species of pine trees, would you expect similar data? Why or why not?

Why are pine needles examples of adaptations?

What important bioenergetic reaction occurs in the pine needle?

Write the balanced chemical equation to show this bioenergetic reaction. Use both symbols and words in your equation.