The+Whimsical+Penguins

= * The Predators have now evolved into The Whimsical Penguins = =__**Group Members:**__=

**__ Our design: __**
We have improved our design as shown in the second figure (improved schematic). Here, we plan to conduct a transect along a horizontal distance. We will be collecting and counting snails at D>20m apart. We will be focusing on two habitats only namely the bush and the grass. This is shown by the yellow stars.

We are thinking of collecting snails withing a radius of 5m at intervals of more than 20m distance.



Here, we will count the snails obtained within a 5m radius. Two subsequent 5m radius will have a distance greater than 20m. This will compensate for any gene flow within the population.

We have now focused on two habitats across the horizontal axis i.e the grass and the bush. The grass will be more exposed as compared to the bush. Moreover the micro-climate within each habitat will vary in terms of availability of light, dampness, moisture. Obtaining three samples each from both habitats increases replication compared to collecting just two samples in three habitats. The total for both habitats will be grouped and analysed. We plan to keep watch out for stone anvils which would give an idea about selection by predation.

A chai square test will determine the sampling error. We plan to reduce human error by allowing only one member of the group to count the snails, thereby increasing consistency.

In addition, we will also try to collaborate with another group focusing on just the grass and bush habitats to increase the sample size. Here, the human error will now increase and there will be less consistency. Unless, all samples obtained from the other group are kept so that our 'counter' and his techniques remain the same.

In essence, we are not considering the woodland habitat. Six samples can not be considered as sufficient evidence.

The question being asked is ; whether genetic drift or genetic drift and selection can explain polymorphism.

We know that drift is always occurring. We would like to focus on how selection can influence the population - working alongside drift.

If we were to find a higher number of the same population, this would suggest selection however it would not exclude genetic drift. Else, if we found a random distribution of different population within the habitats, then this could suggest just genetic drift in play. Though we have tried to remove gene flow from the experiment, some incidences of mixed population in a habitat could be due to snails being carried by birds for example.