Galápagos Penguin Lab: Biodiversity at Risk 

 

Are Galápagos penguins threatened by low genetic diversity? In this lab, students join a team of conservat

ion ecologists comparing the genetic diversity of Galápagos penguins and Magellanic penguins.

Magellanic penguins boast robust populations and are not threatened with extinction, but Galapagos penguins are endangered and have undergone multiple population declines due to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and climate change. This gel electrophoresis lab provides an introduction to DNA analysis in conservation and ecology contexts.

Perfect for APES classes, this activity invites students to explore how global climate patterns shape local biodiversity by affecting the population size and genetic health of threatened species.

• Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
• Topics: Evolution and natural selection, Ecology, Environmental science, Conservation biology
• Time required: One 45-minute class period
• Grade level: Advanced high school

 

 

What is included ?

DNA samples for 8 lab groups:

• 8 simulated penguin DNA samples

Storage notes: 

• If kept in the freezer, reagents can be stored for 12 months after receipt. 
• If kept in the refrigerator, reagents can be stored for 6 months after receipt. 

 

 

Required equipment:

• 2-20 μl variable volume or 10 μl fixed volume micropipettes and tips
• Gel electrophoresis and fluorescence visualization system (e.g. blueGel™ or Bandit Duo™)

Gel electrophoresis reagents and plastic tubes are supplied by the user

• Agarose
• Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g. TBE)
• Fluorescent DNA stain (e.g. SeeGreen™ or GelGreen®)
• Plastic tubes for distributing samples to student groups

The Learning Lab Companion Kit (MP-KT-1510-01) provides sufficient reagents to prepare and run eight gels when using the  blueGel™ or Bandit™ electrophoresis systems, as well as plastic tubes to distribute samples to student groups. 

Storage notes: 

• If kept in the freezer, reagents can be stored for 12 months after receipt. 
• If kept in the refrigerator, reagents can be stored for 6 months after receipt. 

 

Videos

  

Galápagos Penguin Lab Instructor’s Guide

• Standards Alignment

Galápagos Penguin Lab Student’s Guide

• Student E-Worksheet

Galápagos Penguin Lab Classroom Slides

 

SDS – Galápagos Penguin Lab

 

 

 

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