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Balancing Act
Trade-offs in frogs, humans, and other animals
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Sponsored by:
Dr. Michael Reichert's Lab studies the evolution of behaviors, in particular frog communication, and metabolism.
The Gist:
Students will follow in the soggy footsteps of scientists wading through ponds at night to record frogs as they learn about biological tradeoffs that connect humans to horses to frogs. Along the way, they'll decide which male a female frog should choose as a mate, based on analysis of call performance.
Target Subject:
Grades:
Estimated Time:
Target Subject:
ScienceGrades:
9-12Estimated Time:
2 x 45 min classes
Subject breakdown by standard alignments
Driving Question(s):
- How do trade-offs in how organisms use limited energy and time affect survival and reproduction?
- How do performance thresholds influence mate selection?
- What insights can we gain about natural selection in Gray Tree Frogs (Hyla versicolor) from the research findings of Dr. Reichert?
Hook(s):
Cute frogs, seeing sound in spectrograms, and engaging videos create dynamic lessons.
Keywords:
This vs That: Biologists Explain Tradeoffs in Life
Gives a variety of examples
2 x 45 min
By exploring many examples of tradeoffs through videos, graphs, and discussion, students will recognize how each organisms' investment of energy and time to different traits and activities is an evolutionary "balancing act."
Available Grades Bands
Available Teaching Environments
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to...
Analyze and discuss trade-offs in everyday scenarios by evaluating the benefits and costs of each.
Graphically represent different trade-off decision outcomes.
Examine and explain a biological trade-off by summarizing the concept in their own words and relating it to scientific research.
Materials for Grades 9-12
Presentation (Lesson 1)
Need: WiFi, Computer, Projector, Sound
Student Worksheet (Lesson 1)
Print 1 Per Student
- For teachers guides, sign in with a free account!
Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 1)
Print 1
Student Handout/ Table (Lesson 1)
Steps & Flow
10 min: Exploring Education Videos
10 min: Exploring Education Videos
1.Engaging student in tradeoffs through YouTube
Engaging student in tradeoffs through YouTube
1.Engaging student in tradeoffs through YouTube
Engaging student in tradeoffs through YouTube
Students step into the mindset of content creators.
The students will watch ▶ This vs That: Biologists Explain Tradeoffs in Life explaining the tradeoff between how educational and how entertaining science videos are. They will then rank 4 short clips on a graph summarizing this tradeoff.
- organism: a living thing
- tradeoff: a balance between two important but incompatible features; a compromise
There are no correct answers. Students' perceptions are the best metric. If they are struggling to make decisions help them look for humor that indicates entertaining videos and scientific facts that may indicate more educational videos.
5 min: Video featuring research team
5 min: Video featuring research team
2.Introducing biological tradeoffs
Introducing biological tradeoffs
2.Introducing biological tradeoffs
Introducing biological tradeoffs
Students watch a section of the video ▶ This vs That: Biologists Explain Tradeoffs in Life and answer two questions on the worksheet.
- calling behavior: differences in how frogs call based on their physical capabilities
20 min: Examining Biological Tradeoffs
20 min: Examining Biological Tradeoffs
3.Finding the mystery animals on the graph
Finding the mystery animals on the graph
3.Finding the mystery animals on the graph
Finding the mystery animals on the graph
Students use a table to find unidentifed points on a graph.
Help students find the points indicated by lines labels 1 and 2 on the graph and locate those points in the table to identify the organisms.
- reproduction: organisms make more of themselves
- offspring: product of organisms reproduction, ex. human offspring are children
- proportion: fraction of a whole (sometimes expressed interchangeably as a percent)
- adaptation: change in a species over time as a result of natural selection
Help students make the connection between a high number of offspring and low mass. There is also a connection between low number of offspring and high mass. For example, fish eggs are small, but there are many of them. In contrast, chimpanzees have few young but their are relatively large compared to a fish egg.
4.Mass vs. Survival
Mass vs. Survival
4.Mass vs. Survival
Mass vs. Survival
Students analyze the data in Figure 2 to make a connection between size of offspring and their survival rate.
In Fig. 2 help students find the trend of larger offspring having higher survival rates. Animals are trading off larger offspring that take more energy and time to produce for larger survival rates.
- survival: ability of an organism to live long enough to reproduce
Point out that a single organism does not make a tradeoff. The species evolves to tradeoff size of offspring and the extra energy to produce them for higher survival rates. It is the species that evolves to tradeoff, not the individiual.
5 min: Video featuring the research team
5 min: Video featuring the research team
5.Wrapping up tradeoffs
Wrapping up tradeoffs
5.Wrapping up tradeoffs
Wrapping up tradeoffs
Students summarize what they have learned about tradeoffs and generate additional examples.
Students watch video and answer questions in Part 4.
5 min: Put it all together
5 min: Put it all together
6.Reflecting on Tradeoffs
Reflecting on Tradeoffs
6.Reflecting on Tradeoffs
Reflecting on Tradeoffs
Students pick a tradeoff they have learned about and explain how it affects the organisms's survival.
A list of tradeoffs mentioned in the lesson & video students can pick from: # of offspring vs. offspring mass, % of offspring surviving vs. number of offspring per year, # of flowers vs. flower size, speed of picking a flower vs. accuaracy (for bees), call rate vs. call duration in frogs, speed vs endurance, amount of singing vs. predators attracted, shark mouth size vs. bit speed
Cue students to think about the amount of energy an organism in investing a characteristic vs. how much that characteristic is contributing to the organism's survival
Going Further
Ideas and resources for deepening learning on this topic.
Tradeoffs in Evolution
Scroll down to the middle of the page to find a good discussion of evolutionary tradeoffs.
Billion Beats Hypothesis
Is there a mathematical formula for predicting an animal's lifespan based on size?
Read about tradeoffs in the scientific journal _Current Biology_
A more technical discussion of the concept of tradeoffs in biology
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to...
Explain how performance thresholds apply in biological contexts.
Interpret spectrograms to identify call rate and duration.
Analyze how trade-offs in frog vocal performance affect overall fitness and survival.
Materials for Grades 9-12
Presentation (Lesson 2)
Need: WiFi, Computer, Projector, Sound
Student Handout (Lesson 2)
- For teachers guides, sign in with a free account!
Teacher Handout (Lesson 2)
Print 1
- For teachers guides, sign in with a free account!
Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 2)
Print 1
Student Worksheet (Lesson 2)
Print 1 Per Student
Steps & Flow
10 min: Part 1: Performance Thresholds
10 min: Part 1: Performance Thresholds
1.Tradeoffs in Performance Thresholds
Tradeoffs in Performance Thresholds
1.Tradeoffs in Performance Thresholds
Tradeoffs in Performance Thresholds
Students watch the video embedded in the presentation and answer questions 1-4 on the student worksheet.
Student review the concept of tradeoffs from the last lesson and apply tradeoffs to performance thresholds.
- performance threshold: maximum level of performance based on the structure and physiology of the organism
Coach students struggling to connect performance thresholds to tradeoffs to think about how fast humans can run versus how far humans can run. Marathon runners are not good sprinters, and vice versa.
15 min: Part 2: Spectrograms
15 min: Part 2: Spectrograms
2.Analyzing Frog Call Data: Duration
Analyzing Frog Call Data: Duration
2.Analyzing Frog Call Data: Duration
Analyzing Frog Call Data: Duration
Students review spectrogram figures and calculate duration of frog calls.
Students subtract the start time from the end time in the data table to calculate duration. Students put their answers in the data table and find the average.
- call duration: length of a frog call, subtract the beginnning time from end time
Hopefully, all your students will know how to calculate and average. Some might need reminding.
3.Analyzing Frog Call Data: Rate
Analyzing Frog Call Data: Rate
3.Analyzing Frog Call Data: Rate
Analyzing Frog Call Data: Rate
Students use data table to calculate calling rate of select frogs.
Calling rate directions are listed beneath the table for students.
- call rate: number of calls per unit of time
Call rate is calculated in this instance by counting the number of calls for each frog in the table and dividing by 30 sec.
10 min: Part 3: Plotting Data to Find the Mystery Frog
10 min: Part 3: Plotting Data to Find the Mystery Frog
4.Who is who on the graph?
Who is who on the graph?
4.Who is who on the graph?
Who is who on the graph?
Students plot their data for each frog "personality" on the graph in Figure 4.
Students label lines 1-4 on the graph in Figure 4, then write claim, evidence, and reasoning statements on which frog they think will be preferred by females.
- claim: a statement about how you interpret the data
- evidence: data that supports your claim
- reasoning: how the data supports your claim
Help students recognize that number 4 on the graph is closest to the performance threshold represented by the dotted line. Based on the information in the video, Frog 4 (Wert) would probably receive the most attention from females.
10 min: Part 4: Reflect and Connect
10 min: Part 4: Reflect and Connect
5.Exit Ticket
Exit Ticket
5.Exit Ticket
Exit Ticket
Students work along or in groups to complete a 3,2,1 exit ticket at the end of the worksheet.
Students name 3 things they learned, 2 things they found especially interesting, and 1 question they still have.
You can change the 3,2,1 items to suit your classroom routine for exit tickets.
Going Further
Ideas and resources for deepening learning on this topic.
Intro to Spectrograms Video "Seeing Voices
Video on an exploration of how spectrograms are structured and how music looks on a spectrogram
Intro to Spectrograms Video "Seeing Voices
how scientists and computer engineers used spectrograms in analyzing animal communications and Large Language Models (LLM)
Analyzing Prarie Dog Calls
Con Slobodchikoff, Ph.D., and his students at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, explain the sophistication of Gunnison's prairie dogs' alarm calls that can contain information as specific as the color of someone's shirt.
A Deeper Dive into Bioacoustics
How bioacoustics research is used in marine settings
Recording Soundscapes to Monitor Ecosystem Health
Canadian Geographic Article on Soundscapes and how they have changed in the past 60 years.
How resonance changes sounds
3 min video on resonance with examples from music and the human voice from the National Music Center on YouTube
Video showing of human performance testing
Section of "Hunting the Elements" from PBS, 44 sec clip from 1:10:16 - 1:11:00, shows VO2 max testing similar to metabolic testing for frogs
Target Standard(s)
Dimension: Performance Expectation
How does the lesson address this standard?
The culminating discussion in Lesson 2, where students connect their findings on trade-offs to broader biological concepts, ties into explaining how natural selection drives adaptation in populations, particularly how performance thresholds can determine fitness and reproductive success in a given environment.
How does the lesson address this standard?
Lesson 2’s focus on how frog vocal performance affects fitness and survival relates to understanding how trade-offs in traits can influence evolutionary outcomes, such as reproductive success and survival, thereby aligning with the standard on evolutionary processes.
Connected Standard(s)
Dimension: Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Calculus & Higher Level Thinking
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lessons 1 and 2, students create graphs to show trade-offs in everyday life (Lesson 1) and in nature (Lesson 2) using symbols for different data points, helping them practice graphing and understanding functions.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students examine how changes in call rate and duration impact frog fitness, calculating and interpreting these changes over time, which helps them understand the concept of rate of change.
Dimension: Measurement, Data, Probability & Statistics
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lessons 1 and 2, students analyze and interpret graphs showing trade-offs in everyday life (Lesson 1) and in nature (Lesson 2) using symbols for data points. They explore the relationship between two variables and its impact, which helps them practice graphing and understanding functions.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students create scatter plots to show trade-offs and analyze how variables relate in different scenarios. This supports the standard's focus on using scatter plots to represent and analyze data.
Dimension: Language, Speaking & Listening
How does the lesson address this standard?
Throughout the unit, students will work with partners and the class to understand information through discussions and writing.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students combine information from spectrograms and other sources (including a research article) to draw conclusions about frog vocal performance, practicing how to use different types of information to solve problems.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students will present their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds, making sure their reasoning is clear and logical. This helps them practice effective communication and presentation skills.
Dimension: Reading
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students analyze various sources (graphs, spectrograms, audio recordings, and a science research article) to build a clear claim supported by evidence and reasoning.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students will read a section from a science research article that includes advanced academic vocabulary.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students will summarize the complex ideas of trade-offs and performance thresholds in their own words, which helps them practice paraphrasing difficult information.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students collect and evaluate information from spectrograms and scientific articles to draw conclusions about frog vocal performance, practicing how to combine information from different sources.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students combine and assess information from spectrograms and other sources (including a research article) to draw conclusions about frog calls, practicing how to use information from different formats to answer scientific questions.
Dimension: Writing
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students write about how trade-offs in frog vocal performance affect overall fitness, using specific content to support their arguments. This helps them practice writing in the context of biology.
Dimension: Science & Engineering Practices
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students analyze trade-offs in everyday situations and are encouraged to ask questions about how different choices lead to different outcomes. This helps them understand how independent and dependent variables interact in decision-making.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students create graphs to show trade-offs using data from different scenarios. This helps them analyze the outcomes of their decisions and draw valid conclusions about the trade-offs they encounter, supporting the standard's focus on data analysis.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students analyze and explain a biological trade-off, making and defending a claim based on evidence. This activity helps them develop critical thinking and argumentation skills, grounded in scientific understanding.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students learn about trade-offs and performance thresholds in biology. They use and interpret models to understand these concepts, which helps them predict biological outcomes, aligning with the standard.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students interpret spectrograms, using math to understand and explain frog calls. This ties directly to the standard's focus on using quantitative tools to support scientific claims.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students present and discuss their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds. This helps them critically engage with scientific research and communicate their understanding, linking their analysis to broader biological concepts and making sure their interpretations are solid.
Dimension: Disciplinary Core ideas
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students learn about trade-offs and performance thresholds in biology, which helps them understand how organisms adapt their traits and behaviors to survive in changing environments.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students examine trade-offs in frog vocal performance and connect it to group behaviors that improve survival. This helps them understand how behaviors like vocal communication are shaped by evolution to enhance survival and reproduction.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2’s final activity, students present their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds, helping them understand how these factors drive evolution. The lesson highlights how these biological trade-offs impact survival, reproduction, and competition, influencing evolutionary outcomes.
Dimension: Social Awareness & Relationships
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students discuss trade-offs in everyday situations, considering how their choices affect themselves and others. This aligns with Standard 5A by encouraging responsible and ethical decision-making.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students learn about trade-offs in biology, which helps them appreciate different survival strategies and adaptations. This supports Standard 4B by encouraging respect and understanding for diverse approaches.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students practice communication and social skills by discussing their spectrogram interpretations and sharing their findings with classmates. This supports Standard 4A by encouraging positive interactions and teamwork.
Dimension: Responsibility
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students discuss trade-offs in everyday situations, thinking about how their choices affect themselves and others. This supports Standard 5A by promoting responsible and ethical decision-making.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students use problem-solving skills to evaluate trade-offs in academic and social situations, supporting Standard 5C by helping them make responsible and thoughtful decisions in daily life.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students graphically represent trade-offs, using a systematic approach to decision-making. This supports Standard 5B by helping them develop structured methods for evaluating options and making informed decisions based on data.
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June 17, 2024