How to Build a Population Simulation and Track Trait Changes Over Time

How can you create a simulation of a population to observe trait changes over 5 and 10 years?

Building the Simulation:

To build a population simulation, start with 2,500 plants with varying leaf traits. Calculate the number of circles needed for each trait - 1250 circles for medium-tip leaves, 625 circles for wide-tip leaves, and 625 circles for drip-tip leaves.

Creating the Simulation:

Represent each trait with different colors and include a key for easy identification. Simulate the population for 5 years by allowing 25% of plants to reproduce each year, passing on their traits to the offspring.

Observing Trait Changes:

After 5 years, you might see 1000 circles for medium-tip leaves, 750 circles for wide-tip leaves, and 750 circles for drip-tip leaves. After 10 years, the distribution may shift to 750 circles for medium-tip leaves, 500 circles for wide-tip leaves, and 750 circles for drip-tip leaves.

Explanation:

The proportion of plants with each trait changes over time as offspring inherit traits from their parents. In this case, the number of plants with medium-tip leaves decreases while those with wide-tip and drip-tip leaves increase.

← Cellular processes understanding brownian motion concentration and diffusion The type of seal that lives in the english channel →