Artificial Selection and the English Bulldog
Objective
In this activity, you will use the genetic data of the English bulldog to construct a written argument for the long-term viability of the breed.
Introduction
Selective breeding is a process in which organisms are bred to produce offspring with desired characteristics. Inherited traits are passed from parent to offspring, which leads to selective breeding of plants and animals.
Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat are a result of selective breeding. Domesticated pets and livestock animals have also evolved through the process of selective breeding.
In this activity, you’ll research how selective breeding has influenced the genome of the English bulldog and write a scientific argument about the future of this breed.
Planning and Creating Presentation
In this activity, you will use presentation software to create a presentation of 15 to 20 slides that makes an argument about the future of the English bulldog breed using current scientific evidence.
Follow the steps provided to research, plan, and create your presentation. This guide about the research process can help.
Time to complete: 2 hours
Part A: Ask Questions
Begin by making a list of questions that will help you conduct research on the topic. To get you started, here are some questions that may lead you to a better understanding of the topic:
How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?
How did modern dogs evolve? Who are their ancestors?
What is a dog breed? What is a pedigree?
What methods are used to breed dogs? Are there any ethical issues with these methods?
What are the benefits and consequences of dog breeding?
What are bulldogs like? What traits does the English bulldog have?
Are bulldogs more healthy or less healthy than other breeds?
What is genetic diversity? What is the current genetic diversity of the English bulldog?
How does the genetic diversity of the English bulldog relate to the breed’s future viability?
Now write down four more questions about bulldogs that could help strengthen your argument in the presentation.
Answer:
Part B: Find Credible Sources
When designing a science presentation, look for credible sources. Science doesn’t show bias, but humans do. Avoid sites and articles that provide facts without citing proper scientific evidence. You must be able to identify reliable sites so that the data in your research paper is credible.
Use sources that end in .gov. These government sites are reliable sources. You can also use sites ending in .edu. They’re generally trustworthy, but sometimes students, not scientists, write content for .edu websites. Always identify the source’s author before proceeding. Some .org and .com sites are credible, but it’s important to verify their authenticity. When reviewing a source, ask these questions:
Who authored the document?
Is the author a genetics expert?
What is the document’s purpose?
Does the document state facts that scientists can prove with evidence?
Does the document include opinions?
How old is the document?
Do other credible sources support the document’s statements?
Search for credible websites and note the information they contain. Write down two sources that you’ll use for your presentation, and cite them using Modern Language Association (MLA) citation methods.
Answer:
Part C: Take Notes
In a separate location, take notes from the sources you have identified. The notes will provide details for your presentation. While taking notes from texts and websites, use these reading strategies. In the space provided, write four pieces of information that you intend to use in your presentation.
Answer:
Part D: Organize Your Information
After you’ve gathered your research and answered all your questions, create an outline for your presentation in the answer space. Be sure to account for the claim you’re making in your introduction slide, and include a works cited slide at the end with the authors and websites you consulted.
Answer:
Part E: Select Pictures and Video
An audiovisual presentation uses pictures and words to clearly present information. These tips will help you effectively build your presentation:
Limit text on your slides: Insert keywords or phrases that highlight your points instead of typing your entire speech on the slide.
When possible, use pictures instead of words: Use representative figures such as pictures, graphs, and charts to depict information or evidence rather than using huge blocks of text.
List two to three video or photo resources that you wish to use in your presentation and paste them into the provided space below.
Answer:
Part F: Create Your Presentation
Use your outline and the materials you’ve collected to create your presentation. It should contain 15 to 20 slides. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, logic, or cohesion. Remember that you must add a works cited slide at the end.
