1. Natural Selection
A central part of evolution is natural selection. Individual survival increases the chance of reproductive success. Well-adapted organisms are more likely to reproduce and contribute genes to future gene pools.

2. A well-adapted insect will successfully elude predation
A well-adapted insect will successfully elude predation. It may do so through a behavior pattern (i.e., hiding when predators are active), a structural defense (i.e., a stinger), or by blending in well with its surroundings. Such camouflage, or cryptic coloration, is common in the animal kingdom. In this demonstration you will be predators trying to find and capture prey (hole punched paper chips). A variety of paper colors will be used. The better adapted individuals will be the ones colored like the color of their environment (a sheet of newspaper). These better adapted individuals will survive in greater numbers. They will be more likely to survive and reproduce. By the process of natural selection the less adapted will decrease in numbers.

3. Lab You will be hungry predators who will eat dots!
One lab partner will close his/her eyes while the other one spreads the dots out on the paper.
Next when the teacher says “go” the predators will open their eyes and capture as many dots as they can find in 5 seconds.

4. Data Table Number Survived Number Eaten Blue Pink White Black
Number Eaten
Number Survived
Blue
Pink
White
Black
Newspaper

5. Questions Which dots will be passed on to the next generation?
What will the population of dots look like in many generations?
What affects would a blue background have on the population?