Embedded Files
Purpose
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to understand how multiple causes can affect a species and the mechanism at play within.
Overarching Question
Overarching Question
"What factors caused your species to be endangered or go extinct? How did these factors impact the species, and the species around them?
"What factors caused your species to be endangered or go extinct? How did these factors impact the species, and the species around them?
Step 1:
Step 1:
Pick a Species
Select a species that is either endangered or extinct. You can use the links below to help you find an animal.
Step 2:
Step 2:
Research
Use the google classroom assignment to document your resources as you collect your cause, mechanism, and effect information. use links below.
Step 3:
Step 3:
Graphic Organizer
Use the google classroom assignment organizer to collect your information.
Step 4:
Step 4:
Draft Paragraph
Create a draft paragraph using the google assignment If this is completed on time, students will have the opportunity to get edits from another student prior to submitting their final draft.
Note: All paragraphs will be anonymous when sent to another student.
Step 5:
Step 5:
Final Paragraph
Final paragraphs should be submitted through google classroom before the start of Thanksgiving break.
Research Help
Research Help
The IUCN Red List rates all species based on threat of extinction.
This list of extinct species has a mix of newer extinctions and pre-human extinctions.
The Animal Corner is anothe rgreat resource for finding information about your species.
The Wold Wildlife Fund has a list of endangered species that they are currently tracking.
Graphic Organizer
Graphic Organizer
For this assignment, we will be creating paragraphs that show a cause, mechanism, and effect. The effect will be the extinction or endangerment of a species of your choice. (See your graphic organizer in google classroom)
LEAF Paragraphs
LEAF Paragraphs
We will be creating LEAF Paragraphs to show your understanding of the cause, effect, and mechanism behind the endangerment/extinction of your species. If your have more than 2 causes, you are welcome to write more.
Claim/Lead -
Claim/Lead -
First, identify your species and some background about them. Where they live, what they eat, what eats them? What is the current number of individuals in your species? Are they endangered or extinct?
Cause One -
Cause One -
Talk about one of the causes for their endangerment/extinction.
Mechanism One -
Mechanism One -
Talk about how the cause impacted the species. How did this lead to the decline in their population?
Cause Two -
Cause Two -
Talk about a second cause for your species endangerment/extinction. Take a look at your notes and our list of the top 10 reasons species go extinct.
Mechanism Two -
Mechanism Two -
Talk about how the cause impacted the species. How did this lead to the decline in their population? Does this relate back to the previous cause?
Effect -
Effect -
Connect your causes, and mechanisms back to your species and wrap up your paragraph. I suggest a "So What" wrap up. Is there anything bigger to be learned from this?
Example Paragraph
Example Paragraph
The Sumatran Orangutan is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. This is mainly because of humans, we caused illegal pet trade, loss of habitat, lack of food, and deforestation. They live in the Sumatran rainforest and are eaten by big cats such as tigers, and leopards. They eat sprouts, fruit, and sometimes even dirt. There are less than 7,500 of these animals left, and this number is rapidly declining.
One huge cause for these orangutans becoming critically endangered is illegal pet trade and poaching. Baby orangutans are the easiest to capture because they can't climb away as fast. Between six and eight baby orangutans die each day. Sumatran orangutans are also seen as a status symbol for upper-class government officials. By taking orangutans from their natural habitat these animals are usually not provided with the natural resources they need.
Another reason that the Sumatran orangutan is listed as critically endangered is due to loss of habitat and deforestation. The international demand for palm oil is causing people to cut down the Sumatran rainforest. This has an impact on the species because it pushes them into smaller and smaller sections of the forest, it also makes them be on the ground more making them more vulnerable to predators.
My last reason for the Sumatran orangutans being a critically endangered species is the lack of food. With deforestation, we are taking away their food. The Sumatran orangutans eat different types of fruit and sprouts all native to the Sumatran rainforest. When we are cutting down the trees to get palm oil we are not only taking away the trees, we are destroying the other plants that help them survive. This is causing their population to decrease because they don’t have as much access to food.
As More and more species become critically endangered or extinct we need to start learning from our mistakes and continue to work hard to conserve our animals and our planet. I suggest trying to lower the demand for palm oil but not purchasing as many food products that use palm oil. Some foods to try and avoid are Skippy peanut butter, and Ritz Crackers. If we do our part and hope others do theirs, we can save and protect more species.
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