Investigating evolution by adaptation and natural selection

'How many Beany Beetles? - the evolution game'. In this Earthlearningidea, pupils investigate evolution by adaptation and natural selection.
The game results usually show that the number of surviving purple Beany Beetles decreases and the number of surviving green Beany Beetles increases even though the ratio at the  beginning was 5:1. Pupils quickly understand that being camouflaged gives the green Beany Beetles an advantage over the purple. Chance sometimes plays a part and then fewer than expected green Beany Beetles survive.
This game provides an introduction to the theory of evolution and is a useful activity for cross-curricular work covering science, geography, literacy, numeracy and art.
Many more activities about the Evolution of Life can be found on our website.