Background
A species becomes extinct when the last, living organism of that species dies. Extinction can occur as part of the natural order of life through evolution and change in the ecological conditions. Extinction occurs when a species loses out to competitors better adapted to the environment or ecosystem and is unable to move to a new environment or when a species is unable to survive or reproduce in its environment and dies off. Humans have caused extinction of species by over harvesting, by polluting the environment, by destroying and modifying habitats, by introducing new predators into the ecosystem, by introducing nonnative organisms that compete for food, by unregulated hunting, and by the spread of disease. There have been several mass extinctions throughout Earth's history, the most famous of which was the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period 6.5 million years ago. (Source unknown)
Extinct Species Research Part One
You will conduct a research project on an extinct species of your choice. You will follow the project guidelines provided by your teacher. First, select an extinct species. Several of the websites listed under "Extinct Animals" will provide you with a list to begin your search. As you search for your topic, remember you will be required to include the following information in the first part of your report:
A thorough description of your animal (or plant) including: what it looked like, how big it was, what coloring it had, etc.
Which era of the earth's history this organism lived (both in number of years AND name the actual era).
When and how it became extinct, if known.
Food your organism ate and how it got this food supply.
What adaptations your organism had to protect itself (camouflage, behavior, looks, etc.)
What enemies or predators it had.
Include several pictures in this section.
Sources:
Use our databases (accessible through the library webpage or EGUSD portal) to retrieve basic information on your topic. Use the weblinks below to find information. Use WebPath Express or the "Extinct Species" Collection in our Destiny catalog. Use our print materials (nonfiction books, encyclopedias, and other reference books.) Record and cite all your sources.
Extinct Animals
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Extinct Species
Dinosaurs
For Part Two of your research project, you will research the modern-day descendants (relatives) of your animal. Please include the following information in this section of your report:
What are the modern-day descendants (relatives) of your animal?
What type of land has it adapted to?
What does it eat? What other animals live in its surroundings?
How has it changed over the years? Compare how it used to be and how it used to live to the way its modern-day relatives are today and how its modern-day descendants live today.
Include several pictures in this section.