Coquí Frog Adaptation to Climate

Part 1: Engage

Phenomenon: Coquí frogs in Puerto Rico are found at different elevations, and their calls have different pitches. As climate changes, the distribution of these frogs may shift.

• How might climate change affect the traits of the coquí frog population over time?

Part 2: Explore

Simulation Investigation:

1. Open the Coquí Frog Climate Adaptation simulation.
2. Adjust the climate variables (e.g., temperature).
3. Observe changes in the population’s characteristics, specifically the pitch of their calls, over multiple generations.

Part 3: Explain

Sensemaking:

• What is the relationship between temperature and the average pitch of the coquí frogs’ calls?
• Use your observations to explain how natural selection is operating in this scenario.

Part 4: Elaborate/Evaluate

Argumentation & Modeling:

• Construct an explanation based on evidence from the simulation for how natural selection leads to adaptation of the coquí frog population in response to climate change. Be sure to establish the cause and effect relationship.