Dawn of the ducks
Publication Type
Case
Publication Date
8-2025
Abstract
Dawn of the ducks is a single player game and simulation developed for the evolutionary psychology course to teach concepts of evolution. By controlling environmental conditions and duck traits, users observe how natural selection, mutation and adaptation shape survival and reproduction over multiple generations. In experiment mode, users can fully customise duck traits and environmental pressures, enabling them to test evolutionary outcomes. In play mode, users face scenario-based challenges and strategically select ducks to overcome obstacles such as predators, diseases and natural disasters.
This case is intended for instructors of evolutionary psychology. The objective of this game is to allow students to observe how genetic mutations and selective retention affect a population of ducks adapt to their environment. By so doing, students will learn how traits are connected to genes and how new traits arise from random genetic mutations; traits are shaped through the evolutionary process of selective retention occurring across numerous generations and basic evolutionary processes underlie human psychology.
Keyword(s)
adaptation, diet, hunting, nutrition, science
Discipline
Marketing | Psychology
Area of Excellence
Digital transformation
Research Areas
Psychology
Data Source
Generalised Experience
Industry
Agriculture sector
Geographic Coverage
Oceans and Waterways
Temporal Coverage
2025
Education Level
Executive Education; Postgraduate; Undergraduate
Publisher
Singapore Management University
Case ID
SMU-25-0012
Additional URL
https://ccx-shop.smu.edu.sg/products/dawn-of-the-ducks?variant=43487303335978
Comments
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