Testing evolutionary hypotheses in the classroom with MacClade software

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

MacClade is a Macintosh-based software package that uses the techniques of cladistic analysis to explore evolutionary patterns. Although designed for the Macintosh platform, MacClade delivers excellent results on PCs when used with MacOs emulators. This paper describes a novel and effective exercise that allows undergraduate biology majors to test a hypothesis about behavioural evolution in insects. The exercise is derived from a real data set in the literature and provides students with the opportunity to learn firsthand how scientists evaluate hypotheses about patterns adaptive change. The exercise can be modified to fit the needs of particular classes. In general, MacClade offers the life science teacher a wide variety of instructional possibilities.

Publication Title

Journal of Biological Education

First Page Number

94

Last Page Number

98

DOI

10.1080/00219266.2002.9655808

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