Question

Evolutionary biologist Hopi Hoekstra and colleagues have discovered that the burrow-digging behavior of mice (and the resulting shape of their underground burrows) is heritable- -innate and not learned. Design an experiment to test this observation.

Short answer

Formulate a hypothesis stating that offspring mice will display similar burrow-digging patterns as their parent mice. Create a control group of parent mice in their natural habitat and a variable group of offspring mice brought up in a different environment. Document the burrowing behavior of both groups, collecting data on burrow aspects like depth, length, and shape. Compare and analyze the data to determine if burrow-digging behavior is heritable.

Step-by-step solution

Formulate the Hypothesis

The hypothesis for this experiment could be stated as: "If burrow-digging behavior in mice is heritable, then offspring mice would display similar burrow-digging patterns and resulting burrow shapes as their parent mice, even in the absence of any learning or external input."

Identify the Control and Variable Groups

Next, two groups need to be defined: a control group and a variable group. The control group could be parent mice observed in their natural habitats. The variable group would consist of their offspring, brought up in a completely different environment devoid of any demonstration of burrow-digging behavior by other mice.

Experiment Design

The experiment can be designed in a 'before-and-after' manner. The burrowing behavior of the parent mice (control group) would be documented in detail first - this would include the shape, size, complexity, and other elements of the burrows. Following that, the offspring mice (variable group) would be observed and their burrowing behavior documented in a similar manner independently.

Data Collection

The data to be collected would include details of the burrows dug by both the parent mice and their offspring. This would entail aspects such as depth, length, number of chambers, number of entrances/exits, and overall shape. This data collection would be done without intervention or interaction with the test subjects, to avoid influencing their behavior.

Data Analysis and Conclusion

Here, the burrowing behaviors of the control and experimental groups would be compared and analyzed for similarities and differences. If the burrows dug by the offspring mice closely resemble the burrows of the parent mice in complexity, shape, and size, this would lend credence to the hypothesis that burrow-digging behavior in mice is heritable and not learned. However, significant variations between the burrows dug by the parent mice and their offspring would suggest that other factors beyond genetics might be playing a role in this behavior.

Key concepts

Evolutionary Biology and Heritable Behaviors in Mice

Evolutionary biology is the study of the origins and changes in the diversity of life over time. In the context of animal behavior, evolutionary biologists are particularly interested in understanding how certain behaviors may be inherited from one generation to the next.

The case of burrow-digging in mice is an excellent example of heritable behavior. The burrows are not just random holes in the ground; they are complex structures that provide safety and regulate temperature for the mice. If these specific patterns of behavior can be passed down genetically, they may give the offspring a survival advantage, a cornerstone concept in evolutionary theory.

Understanding whether such complex behaviors are heritable or learned can help scientists unravel the intricate threads that connect genetic inheritance with survival and reproductive success, key factors in natural selection and evolution.

Experiment Design in Biology

Designing an experiment typically begins with formulating a clear hypothesis. In our mouse behavior study, this hypothesis predicts that offspring will inherit digging patterns from their parents. An effective experiment design controls variables in order to isolate the effect of one particular variable – in this case, genetics.

In designing an experiment to test our hypothesis, it's crucial to have a well-defined control group and variable group. By comparing these groups, we can observe the heritability of the mouse burrowing behavior.

When designing the experiment, it’s essential that the offspring are raised in a separate environment from their parents to eliminate any chance of learning the behavior. This adherence to experimental rigor ensures that the results are as reliable and informative as possible.

Data Analysis in Biology

In biology, data analysis involves processing and interpreting data to draw conclusions about the biological processes under study. It's a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and is often complex due to natural variations in living organisms.

In our study of mouse behavior, data analysis would involve comparing the burrows of the control group (parent mice) with those of the variable group (offspring). Key aspects such as the burrow's complexity, shape, and size would be quantitatively assessed. Advanced statistical methods could be employed in the comparison to account for variability and to determine whether any observed similarities are due to genetic inheritance or just coincidence.

Through careful analysis, we can begin to understand the influence genetics have on behavior, supporting or refuting the initial hypothesis based on the strength of the evidence.

Animal Behavior Genetics

Animal behavior genetics is a field that determines the extent to which genetics influences behavior. This discipline involves the study of genetic variations and how they manifest in the behavior of animals.

The potential heritability of burrow-digging behavior in mice is a perfect case study for this field. The experiment to test this behavior offers insight into how genetic predispositions can be observed and measured in offspring, even when separated from environmental factors that could influence their learning.

Discovering a genetic basis for such behavior underscores the intertwined nature of genetics and the environment and provides a deeper understanding of natural selection and evolutionary processes, as genetically driven behaviors that enhance survival are more likely to be passed on to successive generations.