There is a lot of theoretical stuff on it, but hardly any actual tests. Having that material from 30 years ago is strengthened tremendously by the ability now to do DNA analyses of it. It is a vindication of museum collections, as had been argued by the Victorians and others. But who knows, it may be possible in the future. The project is a wonderful closing of a circle, however, using the work which we did in the 60s.
Many museums maintain collections of species of animals.
Activities Select activities that are most appropriate for your lesson plan or add your own. You can also encourage students to identify key issues in the preceding extract and devise their own questions or topics for discussion. Tyndale-Biscoe mentions that DNA analysis could help determine whether the current glider population in a forest showed genetic drift. In a paragraph define genetic drift then write a short description of how DNA analysis would help determine if genetic drift has occurred. Tyndale-Biscoe spent much of his research life working on marsupials.