Testing evolutionary hypotheses in the classroom with MacClade software

Abstract

MacClade is a Macintosh-based software package that uses the techniques of cladistic analysis to explore evolutionary patterns. Although designed for the Macintosh platform, MacClade delivers excellent results onPCs when used with MacOs emulators. This paper describes a novel and effective exercise that allows under-graduate biology majors to test a hypothesis about behavioural evolution in insects. The exercise is derived from a real data set in the literature and provides students with the opportunity to learn firsthand how scientists evaluate hypotheses about patterns of adaptive change. The exercise can be modified to fit the needs of particular classes. In general, MacClade offers the life science teacher a wide variety of instructional possibilities.