Friday, December 16, 2016

Zoology Final Project

Zoology Final Project
You will create a Google Slide presentation to answer one prompt each about Ecology, Classification, and Evolution. You will be able to research on the Zoology website (middiezoology.blogspot.com), Google or other search engines, and/or your classwork.

Each prompt will require its own slide or slides and should cite evidence and explain clearly. You should include pictures and text to help make your point.

Prompt 1 (Ecology): 20 points
  • Choose either an invasive species or a keystone species. Give a detailed explanation of how the ecosystem would be impacted if the invasive species was introduced or the keystone species was removed. Include at least three ways that the ecosystem is impacted. Include pictures and text to make your points.
    • 5 points for each impact and the explanation of the impact
    • 5 points for summing up your argument

Prompt 2 (Classification): 20 points
  • A friend of yours says a platypus is a bird, because it lays eggs. Provide a convincing argument that a platypus is a mammal. Compare and contrast mammal and bird characteristics to make your case. Use at least three characteristics to make your argument. Include pictures and text to make your points.
    • 5 points for each characteristic and the explanation of how it is used to classify
    • 5 points for summing up your argument

Prompt 3: (Evolution): 20 points

  • Your friend said that porpoises are fish because they swim in the ocean. Use evidence to show them that porpoises are mammals and evolved from a land ancestor. Include pictures and text to make your points.
    • 5 points for each piece of evidence and putting that evidence in context
    • 5 points for summing up your argument

Friday, December 9, 2016

What have you Learned about Birds?

Using your notes and class experience, write a five paragraph essay to answer the following:


  • Introduction
  • Give 3 adaptations for flight in birds. Explain the adaptation and its benefit.
  • Explain and give the benefit of the three types of feathers we studied.
  • How is flight possible in birds?
  • Conclusion
You will be graded on the following rubric:

Crows, Smarter than you Think



Crows are smarter than you think. Watch the video and answer the following questions:

  1. How do crows demonstrate their intelligence? (make a list)
  2. Why do you think crows evolved to be so intelligent?
  3. Do you think their intelligence should give them any rights? Why or why not?

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Inside Nature's Giants: The Leatherback Turtle



Watch the video, Inside Nature's Giants: The Leatherback Turtle and answer the following questions.

  1. Why are leatherback turtles having trouble?
  2. How are people trying to help?
  3. How are leatherback turtles adapted for marine life?
  4. Compare/Contrast the characteristics of the leatherback with those of other reptiles.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Thin Green Line and Frog proposal Assignment



Watch the video, The Thin Green Line, and complete the project below:

Frog Proposal Assignment
On your own, make a proposal of why we need to help frogs and other amphibians (i.e. ecological benefits and human benefits). You should include at least 3 ways we can help frogs.

Your proposal could be an essay, a poster, or a slide presentation.
It should have:
  • an introduction/overview (including why frogs need help and why we should help them),
  • at least three paragraphs/sections/slides with a different way we can help frogs,
  • a conclusion which sums it up.


Grading:
This project is worth 20 points and should include all the points listed above, be neat and attractive, have good spelling, and make a good presentation to the viewer/reader.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Is sushi causing extinction?

Watch the following video on the Pacific Bluefin Tuna trade and respond to 2 out of the 4 prompts in 1 paragraph EACH. Type your answers in a Google Doc and share you responses when finished.

1. What could be done to decrease the impact of fishing on the bluefin tuna?

2. Should eating bluefin tuna be totally banned?

3. Why is it important to make conservation of fishes like the bluefin an international effort?

4. What could be the impact of extinction of bluefin tuna from the Pacific

Monday, November 7, 2016

Shark Finning



Shark Finning

Take Action Against Shark Finning

Write a letter using one paragraph to argue for help in
putting a stop to shark finning.

  • Explain what shark finning is, why it is done, and where.
  • Explain (with examples) one impact of shark finning.
  • Explain (with examples) a second impact of shark finning.
  • Explain (with examples) a third impact of shark finning.
  • Sum it up and make a plea for help.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The Arthropod Story


Why are arthropods so important?
Go to the arthropod story website
Answer the questions on your handout.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Monday, September 12, 2016

Wolves - watch the video and answer the prompts




  1. What is the problem?
  2. Why is is happening?
  3. What is its impact?
  4. What can be done or is being done?
  5. How does it impact society? me?
See the picture below:

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Spread of Disease is Like Population Growth


Notice that "the clap" spreads just like a population grow.  It starts with one, then doubles, then doubles again.  Hmm…What kind of growth is that?

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Beavers a Keystone Species



Watch Leave it to Beavers. Answer the following prompts:
keystone species is a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
1. Why is the beaver a keystone species?
2. Why is the beaver an import animal to humans?
3. What would you do to manage beaver populations?

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Evolution and the Flu?



Watch the video and answer the following questions:

  1. How does the flu vaccine work?
  2. Why do we need a new flu vaccine every year?
  3. How is this similar to what we are learning about evolution?
  4. How could a universal vaccine work?

Cheetahs...Super Evolved for What?




Watch the video clip and see what cheetahs are evolved to do.
Then, find out what genetic "bottleneck" has affected cheetahs.  Be able to explain what the "bottleneck effect" is. 

Monday, August 29, 2016

Lamarke vs. Darwin Two Theories of Change

I think you will find the following links useful in answering the writing prompts.  The assignment is due Tues 9/1

Evolution writing prompt!

Respond to the following writing prompts.   Be sure to include supporting details.  Be specific.  You need to write between a half a page and a page to answer this.  You may use the textbook CH 4 and/or the internet as a resource. 

  1. Who would have agreed with the following statement? “Elephants stretched their noses and passed on the long nose trait until their descendants had a long nose called a trunk."
  2. Who would have agreed with the following statement?  “Elephants with longer noses were able to survive and have more offspringthan elephants with shorter noses.” 
  3. Who would have agreed with the following statement?  “Elephants’ noses have changed over time.”
  4. Compare and Contrast Lamarke’s Theory and Darwin’s Theory

Links:

Lamarke



Darwin





Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Whale Evolution

Great Transformations



Watch this video and answer the questions on the sheet provided.  Have fun, this is a great video.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Cells Alive! Interactive Cell

.


Use this link to complete you cell parts table.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Cryptozoology Science or Myth?

Image result for bigfoot

Objective:
Research two cryptids (one “commonplace” the other “fantastic”), make a google slide presentation or prezi to highlight their characteristics and evidence for their existence.  Answer the question; Can the search for this creature be science or myth?  Make a comparison/contrast slide presentation or prezi to display your findings.

Resources:
http://www.google.com - search for new animals or new species or recently discovered animals…

Procedure:
  1. Choose two “animals”, one that is mythical (i.e. unicorn) and the other that is newly discovered or found to be real instead of fiction (i.e. pongo - gorilla)
  2. Research both animals.  You must find:
    1. Picture
    2. Evidence for their existence (pictures/videos, stories, live animals, remains, tracks, DNA, etc.)
    3. Tell whether the evidence is objective or subjective.  Can the evidence be trusted?
    4. Minimum of four “facts”/characteristics about the habits of the animal
    5. Tell weather the search for this creature is based on science or myth.

Grading:

To receive an “A”, you must have a well written and attractive presentation which depicts one “real” animal and one “myth”.  There must be a picture for each, evidence for each, and evaluation of the evidence as real or myth.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Nature: Radioactive Wolves


Watch the video, Radioactive Wolves and answer the following questions.

  1. Where does this video take place? Why are people gone?
  2. How have animals been able to survive here? (give examples)
  3. Compare and contrast the ecosystem here in the Zone with the Yellowstone ecosystem we talked about earlier.
  4. How is the wolf population here in the Zone similar/different from other wolf populations?

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Evolution of Humans

Mammals are especially interesting to us, mostly because we are mammals. Specifically primates.
Watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPggkvB9_dc

From this video, think on the following points:

Humans and apes are genetically almost identical, but evolved differently, what could have been the reason for this?

Are humans more or less evolved than our fellow primates? Why or why not?

Imagine you are discussing evolution with someone, they say to you "Are you expecting me to believe that I came from a chimp?" How would you respond to this person?

Answer all of the following questions on a separate sheet of paper, IN COMPLETE SENTENCES PLEASE. Turn this paper into your teacher, then enjoy the fact you are smart.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Microscope view of feathers



This is a down feather from the pigeon dissection.



This is a primary feather from the pigeon dissection.

How are they structurally different? How does this difference enable them to function properly?

Thanks for the great pics Lauren!

Monday, April 25, 2016

Hummingbirds - Magic in the Air



Watch, Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air and explain how they are adapted for flight.

A Murder of Crows



Watch the video, A Murder of Crows and find at least five ways crows demonstrate their intelligence.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Nature Supersize Crocs



Watch the video: Supersize Crocs and answer the following prompts:

  1. How long have crocodilians been around?
  2. How big do crocs get? give examples.
  3. What adaptations do crocodilians have that make them so successful?
  4. What was the most interesting thing you learned about crocodilians?

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The Thin Green Line



Watch the video, The Thin Green Line and be prepared to explain why frogs are endangered, why it is important to save them, and how people can help.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Over 73 Million Sharks Killed Every Year for Fins



Take Action! Write a letter (in 5 paragraph essay format) to argue for help in putting a stop to shark finning.
1.Explain what shark finning is, why it is done, and where.
2.Explain (with examples) one impact of shark finning.
3.Explain (with examples) a second impact of shark finning.
4.Explain (with examples) a third impact of shark finning.
5.Sum it up and make a plea for help.

All for a Bowl of Soup

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Inside Nature's Giants - Great White



Watch the video and be prepared for our shark dissection! 

  • What are 4 adaptations sharks have and how do those adaptations help them to survive?


Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Check your skills - Jawless Fishes

Paddlefish Parasites


Watch the video to learn about lamprey. Observe their anatomy and behaviors. Be prepared to answer questions about lamprey.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Eddie and the Hagfish


Watch the video to learn about the hagfish. Observe their anatomy and their behaviors. Be prepared to answer questions about the hagfish.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Insect Growth and Metamorphosis


After you have completed the lab packet, search online for 5 other examples of insect metamorphosis. Draw each insect life cycle. Label the stages and tell what type of metamorphosis it is.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Mollusca Essay

You will write a 5-paragraph essay on adaptations molluscs have evolved to survive. This 5 paragraph essay will include introductory and concluding paragraphs as well as 3 body paragraphs telling details about details of the adaptations you selected.

Paragraph 1
  • What is a mollusc?
  • Which mollusc(s) are you talking about?
  • What is an adaptation?
  • What adaptations of molluscs did you choose?
  • State the main idea of your essay. (i.e. The _______ adaptations help the __________ mollusc survive.)

Paragraph 2
  • evolutionary adaptation 1
  • What is it?
  • How does the adaptation work?
  • How does it help the animal survive?

Paragraph 3
  • evolutionary adaptation 2
  • What is it?
  • How does the adaptation work?
  • How does it help the animal survive?

Paragraph 4
  • evolutionary adaptation 3
  • What is it?
  • How does the adaptation work?
  • How does it help the animal survive?

Paragraph 5
  • Sum up what you have learned about mollusc adaptations.
  • Restate some of your most important information about it.

Suggestions for adaptations:

  • chromatophores
  • intelligence
  • lack of bones
  • fine muscle control
  • locomotion
  • ink
  • arms/tentacles
  • other ideas, upon approval

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Hydra We dissected from the lab!

Thanks to Glori for the great picture!

Inside Nature's Giants - Giant Squid



Be able to explain:

  • Anatomy of a squid
  • Ecology (What is its role in the ecosystem?)
  • How do its cells work? (Color change)
  • Why are they important to people?
  • What are they related to?

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Hydra Catches a Water Flea



Enjoy the video! Now complete the lab!

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Leave it to Beavers




Respond to the following prompts. Enjoy the video!
A keystone species is a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
Why is the beaver a keystone species?
Why is the beaver an import animal to humans?

What would you do to manage beaver populations?

Wolves of Yellowstone



Watch the video clip and look at the before and after picture of Yellowstone and answer the following prompts:


  • Why are wolves important?
  • Should the gray wolf be reintroduced back to Western states?
  • After reintroduction, how do you think populations and communities change? (include examples)




Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Cheetahs...Super evolved for what?



Watch the video clip and see what cheetahs are evolved to do.
Then, find out what genetic "bottleneck" has affected cheetahs.  Be able to explain what the "bottleneck effect" is. 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Great Transformations


Watch the video, Great Transformations, and answer the following questions:

  1. What are the scientists studying in this video?  What types of evidence are they looking at? (List as many as you can.  This question is ongoing throughout the video.)
  1. What evidence supports the evolutionary history of whales? (List as many as you can.  This question is ongoing throughout the video.)
  1. What is a transitional form?  What is an example of transitional form?
  1. Why are scientists studying spines?
  1. Why are scientists interested in different ways animals travel?
  1. What evidence can you discuss that shows connections of all living things?  Give specific examples.
  1. Give examples of signposts or key species in the “tree of life”.
  1. What allowed major events in life history?

Whale Kiosk


Whale Kiosk

Click on the link to the Whale Kiosk and investigate how whales evolved.  Make sure you complete the packet!  

Darwin vs Lamark Writing

I think you will find the following links useful in answering the writing prompts.  The assignment is due Mon 1/18

Evolution writing prompt!

Respond to the following writing prompts.   Be sure to include supporting details.  Be specific.  You need to write between a half a page and a page to answer this.  You may use the textbook CH 4 and/or the internet as a resource. 

  1. Who would have agreed with the following statement? “Elephants stretched their noses and passed on the long nose trait until their descendants had a long nose called a trunk."
  2. Who would have agreed with the following statement?  “Elephants with longer noses were able to survive and have more offspringthan elephants with shorter noses.” 
  3. Who would have agreed with the following statement?  “Elephants’ noses have changed over time.”
  4. Compare and Contrast Lamarke’s Theory and Darwin’s Theory

Links:

Lamarke



Darwin