“Chromoseratops meiosus”: A Simple, Two-Phase Exercise to Represent the Connection Between Meiosis & Increased Genetic Diversity

I present an activity to help students make the connection between meiosis and genetic variation. The students model meiosis in the first phase of the activity, and by that process they produce gametes of a fictitious reptilobird species, “Chromoseratops meiosus.” Later on, they will “mate” their gametes and produce a zygote and a resulting reptilobird. They will determine the phenotype of the resulting reptilobird and draw it. As they compare their reptilobirds, they will be able to see all the resulting variations and to discuss the sources of this variation. This activity can be easily used as a basis for sequel activities that will emphasize the implications of genetic variation on natural and sexual selection.