November 24th is Evolution Day, which celebrates the publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin in 1859. Darwin’s theory of evolution is one of the central concepts in biology.

Experiments in comparative physiology are an excellent way to teach concepts in evolutionary biology. The Vernier Biology Department developed an experiment that investigates the comparative physiology of snails and fish.

In this activity, students measure the respiration rate of an aquatic snail, a goldfish (Carassius auratus), and a Betta (Betta splendens) using a small respiration chamber and an Vernier Optical DO Probe or Go Direct^® Optical Dissolved Oxygen Probe. Get the experiment overview and download for “Evolution of Aquatic Respiratory Systems.”

Evolution-related Activities from Investigating Biology through Inquiry

• Evolution of Cellobiase using Go Direct^® SpectroVis^® Plus
• Introduction to Molecular Evolution
• Evolution of Yeast using CO₂ Gas Sensor

Other Evolution-related Activities

• Exploring the Evolution of Temperature Regulation in Marine Mammals
• Studying the Diving Reflex in the Laboratory
• Study the Evolution of Respiratory Systems with a CO₂ Gas Sensor