Rock Paper Scissors Lizard
At a Glance
Discipline
- STEM
- Biology
Instructional Level
- College & CEGEP
- University
Course
- Evolution
Tasks in Workflow
Social Plane(s)
- Individual
- Group
- Whole Class
Type of Tasks
- Discussing
- Gaming & role-playing
- Creating & designing
- Reading
- Taking a quiz & test
Technical Details
Time
- Single class period (< 90 mins)
Instructional Purpose
- Preparation & knowledge activation
- Application & knowledge building
Overview
The aim of this activity is to introduce the concept of an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) and cement the idea with a memorable counter example. Using self made, specially designed dice, students explore the concept of non-transitivity.
Students are assigned one of three dice configurations and invited to repeatedly roll against the other two, with the goal of determining which, if any, is best. The reproductive strategies of the side blotched lizard are discussed.
Useful videos:
- Evolutionarily Stable Strategies ft. Richard Dawkins
- Lizards: A Game of Genetic Rock-Paper-Scissors
- Rock Paper LIZARDS – Numberphile
- Maths Gear: Non-transitive Grime Dice
Useful Articles:
- The Lizards That Live Rock-Paper-Scissors
- Evolutionary game of rock-paper-scissors may lead to new species
- Game Theory, Evolutionary Stable Strategies and the Evolution of Biological Interactions
- An experimental test of frequency-dependent selection on male mating strategy in the field
- Non-transitive Dice
Instructional Objectives
- Students will be able to explain evolutionary stable strategy
- Students will be able to describe non-transitivity using a self-made specially designed dice
Workflow & Materials
Activity Workflow
Applied Strategies
Published: 15/08/2019
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