Embedded Files
Complete pages 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the Student Virtual Fieldwork Booklet
Learning Intention
Learning Intention
To learn more about the features of the Southern Brown Bandicoot to assist with planning the scientific investigation.
To understand the connections between living things in the ecosystem and the effect a change on one species may have on another.
Inquiry Question
Inquiry Question
What are the features, habitat and diet of Southern Brown Bandicoots?
What adaptations do Southern Brown Bandicoots have and how do they increase their ability to survive?
What effect can Southern Brown Bandicoots have on other species in a community?
Video Footage of a Southern Brown Bandicoot
Video Footage of a Southern Brown Bandicoot
Southern Brown BandicootYouTube (3:16min)
General Features
General Features
Learn about the general features distribution, habitat and ecology of the Southern Brown Bandicoot at the Threatened Species Profile Page of the Office of Environment and Heritage.
Type Southern Brown Bandicoot into the keywords
Adaptations
Adaptations
Bandicoots have several adaptations that make them suitable for the harsh and arid Australian environment.
• Nocturnal Behaviour - Bandicoots are active during the night and sleep in their nest during the day. This keeps them out of the hot Australian sun.
• Rear-facing Pouch Opening - Prevents dirt from entering the female’s pouch when she is digging.
• Strong Digging Claws - For digging out underground prey.
• Long Pointy Nose - To sniff out its prey.
• Long Pointed Teeth - Allows it to grab and chomp through its food.
Source: https://trishansoz.com/trishansoz/animals/bandicoot.html#southern-brown-bandicoot
Habitat and Diet
Habitat and Diet
The Species Profile and Threats Database from the Department of the Environment and Energy provides detailed information on the Southern Brown Bandicoots habitat and diet.
Bandicoot as Ecosystem Engineers
Bandicoot as Ecosystem Engineers
Learn about the importance of bandicoots as soil engineers in The Conversation article from February 28, 2020 entitled One little bandicoot can dig up an elephant’s worth of soil a year – and our ecosystem loves it.
Organism Interactions
Organism Interactions
Interactions between organismsYoutube (3.07min)
Watch the video on organism interactions and complete the table in your fieldwork booklet
Habitat Summary
Habitat Summary
Biotic Features
Biotic Features
1. High % of leaf litter coverage on the ground
2. Open forest
3. Ground dwelling invertebrates
4. Dense shrub layer between 0.2-1m high
5. Presence of Xanthorrhoea (a type of herb)
6. Presence of trees that are Banksia, Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Acacia species
Abiotic Features
Abiotic Features
1. Sandy soils
2. Soils with acidic pH
3. Easterly aspect
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