This film explores how mutations in gene regulatory regions have resulted in major changes in the anatomy of freshwater populations of stickleback fish.

Many freshwater populations of sticklebacks lack the long spines that project from the pelvis of their marine relatives. These spines are important in the ocean for fending off large predators, so why were they lost in freshwater populations? The film tells the story of how David Kingsley, Michael Bell, and other scientists have identified key genes and genetic switches responsible for the evolution of this remarkable body transformation. Scientists have even documented similar evolutionary changes that occurred in the past, by studying a remarkable fossil record from the site of what was an ancient lake ten million years ago.

This version of the film pauses at three points where students answer questions about the film to assess their understanding of the concepts presented. After completing all quiz modules, students can view and print their answers.

The original version of the film, without the embedded assessment, is available to stream or download at https://www.biointeractive.org/making-fittest-evolving-switches-evolving-bodies

Version 2.3
Updated on 08/13/20