Ladybird genetics
In this activity, your class will examine how the pannier gene coding region of the harlequin ladybird affects their colour patterns. They will then discuss the implications of this.
They can also examine the harlequin ladybird sorting cards to look for examples of the four main alleles mentioned in the presentation, discussing what data they have found and the best way to present this.
This content is part of a larger set of activities on Grouping and classifying ladybirds.
About this resource
- Resource type: worksheet
- Theme: Evolution and genetics
- Key Stages: KS3
Learning outcomes
- understand that genes and environmental conditions influence the development of the phenotype of an organism
- understand that scientific theories generally explain patterns in data and can be used to make testable predictions
Additional useful resources
You might find these additional ladybird resources useful to support your lesson planning
Ladybird sorting cards
These cards feature 150 ladybirds from 10 species - showing the variation within species.
Download cards without backs (PDF 2.9MB)opens in a new window
Download cards with patterned backs (PDF 8.0MB)opens in a new window
All about ladybirds
A PowerPoint presentation introducing ladybirds and looking at the survival adaptations of camouflage versus poison.
Ladybird learning resources
Including a set of sorting cards, an ID card for common ladybirds, and how to run a survey.
