Overview
The objective of this project was to choose an endangered species and research information on it. The questions we had to answer were:
- How have humans affected your species survival?
- What specific resources does your species require and how do they get those resources? What resources are most limited for your species? How does this affect their survival?
- How is your species dependent on other species? How are other species dependent on your species?
- Why does biodiversity matter in order for your species to survive?
- How is your species designed to ensure successful reproduction? How is reproductive success threatened for your species?
- What is the ancestral history of your species? How has your species changed over time?
- Predict if your species will survive or become extinct. In other words, what direction is the species heading and why?
Evidence of Work
Shown below is a slideshow we created in the beginning of the project. We never ended up presenting it, but it showed all the information we had on the poster we created. In total we had 2 posters, one answering all the questions and adding additional information on the endangerment of green sea turtles, and the other with essential questions we had to answer.
Concepts
Endangerment - When a species is in danger/nearing extinction
Evolution - When organisms evolve into an adapted version of a species
Five Fingers of Evolution:
Fossils - The bones of an animal from history embedded in rocks
Evolution - When organisms evolve into an adapted version of a species
Five Fingers of Evolution:
- Small Population - When only a small population mates their genes will be evolve
- Non-Random Mating - Selective breeding could alter the genes being evolved
- Mutation - If something is changed in the gene pool, it will effect future generations of the species
- Gene Flow - Individuals that move in and out of the population could alter the genes of future generations
- Adaption - Species evolve in a different way to be fit for a new environment
Fossils - The bones of an animal from history embedded in rocks
Reflection
I thought this project went rather well. We all figured everything out without any complications, and we always compromised. I didn't necessarily want to redo the entire project and turn it into a video, but I agreed we could put all the information on a poster so we provide both things. I thought I could've done better on collaboration. Unlike last year in STEM, I did much better with it but I feel I should've checked in a little more with my group, seeing that I never saw the video before we presented it. I did good with leadership though and I helped some of my group members when they needed it and I had extra time. I had a lot of fun with this project and it was very informative!