The life history theory of the Lord of the Rings: a randomized controlled trial of using fact versus fiction to teach life history theory.

ABSTRACT: Does asking students to apply concepts from evolution to a fictional context, compared to a novel biological context, improve their understanding, exam performance or enjoyment of the material? Or does it harm their education by taking time away from true biology? At our institution, we sometimes ask students to apply life history theory to species from fictional movies, television shows or books. Previously, we had used a factual article on life history theory, to supplement our textbook. We wrote an alternative introduction to life history theory (included in the additional files for educational use), using Tolkien's fictional species from his Lord of the Rings books. We also introduce the biological species definition, sexual selection, sexual dimorphism, kin selection, and the handicap

SUBMITTER: Maley CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8850221 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature