Unit 8 Ecology
Unit 8, Ecology
The endangered Island Fox, Urocyon littoralis catalinae. Adult Female left, pup right. Images © 2004 Sean Gardinier
Endangered Species Project
Click HERE for the Project Help Page
This is an individual project that must be developed into a website. You will conduct the research using an outline. When your outline is complete, you will create a website using Google Sites to communicate information to the public.
Endangered Species Selection:
Students must select a California listed endangered, threatened, or recovered species. Use the California Department of Fish and Game's website to access the CURRENT Threatened and Endangered ANIMALS List (PDF). Selection is limited in EVERY class so that all students are researching different species. Your teacher will tell you how to sign-up for a species. For a list of endangered, threatened, and rare plants, CURRENT Threatened and Endangered PLANTS List (PDF).
See attachments at the bottom of this page to download the Endangered Species Project Research Guide.
Section Requirements:
Species Classification: Provide a full taxonomic classification of your species that includes its common name, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species (scientific name).
Species Description: Provide a description your species. Include the type of animal, color, size, and other physical characteristics. Provide several images with captions and list the source of all images used.
Habitat: Tell where your species can be found naturally. Describe the habitat where your species lives. Describe migration patterns (if any). Include a map that shows the geographic distribution of the species with a caption and source of map.
Feeding Habits: Describe what types of food your species consumes and how they get it. Provide images if possible, each with a caption and source.
Life Cycle: Describe the life cycle of your species. How does the organism reproduce? What is the gestation period? How many offspring are born at once? How do the parents care for the young? What is the life expectancy of an organism? Include several images, each with a caption that includes the source.
Survival Adaptations: Describe adaptations the species has to enable it to survive in its environment. In other words, describe the characteristics and behavior the species has to give it an advantage for survival. Tell about the survival challenges your species has. Survival challenges may include limited food, predators, pollution, shrinking habitat, competition, human pets, etc.
Niche: What niche does your species fill in its ecosystem? Draw a food web that includes your species (use Google Draw or MS Word).
In Danger of Extinction: Tell the story that led to the listing of your animal as an endangered species. This is the most important part of your project and should be the focus! Must be at least 250 words. Use images if possible. You must use at least one chart/graph/map that shows the decline OR recovery of the species, use a caption including the source.
Species Recovery: Following your story of why your species is nearly extinct, describe the strategies and solutions that have and are taking place to aid in the recovery of the species. This is the second most important part of your project. Must be at least 250 word. Use several images/charts/graphs/maps/diagrams and include a caption for each that also includes the source.
Bibliography: Be sure to cite ALL sources of information. As always plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in a zero for the assignment. Provide links to all resources used.
DONE EARLY AND LOOKING FOR EXTRA CREDIT? TALK TO YOUR TEACHER ABOUT DOING AN INVASIVE (EXOTIC) SPECIES EXTRA CREDIT PROJECT! YOUR EXTRA CREDIT PROJECT IS DUE ON THE SAME DUE DATE (SEE CALENDAR!). ASK YOUR TEACHER FOR ANOTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES HANDOUT TO GET STARTED AND PICK YOUR FAVORITE INVASIVE SPECIES! MAXIMUM EXTRA CREDIT FOR THIS PROJECT= 100 PTS!
GO TO THIS LINK: California Invasive Species List
LINKS FOR CLASS ACTIVITIES
Use the below links for the Ecological Pyramid Activity