BIOL1040-1U Environmental Science – Assignment 3 “Saving Species “
Background: Species are currently going extinct at rates 100-1,000 times greater than rates before PEOPLE arrived on the scene. We have an ethical obligation to conserve biodiversity. Species may be threatened by a number of factors or interplay of factors. Although some of the details are likely species specific, there are shared details.
Purpose: This assignment is designed to allow you to explore the factors behind the decline of a threatened species of your choice. Additionally, this assignment will give you a chance to explore an invasive/exotic species of your choice. This activity should allow you to compare and contrast attributes of the species at opposite ends of the conservation spectrum.
Directions: Part 1 – Use a single page (one side, 12pt font, 1.15 line spacing) to describe the threatened species of your choice and to discuss the factor(s) responsible for the species decline. Finally, discuss actions or possible actions that could be taken to save the species.
Be sure to include the following:
• Common name scientific name
• Brief description of species and natural history (habitat, diet, reproduction etc.). You may include a photograph (no larger than 2”x2”, include a citation/URL)
• Species range (you can use a map, should be no larger than 2”x2” and include a citation/URL)
• Threat category (preferably the IUCN categories: extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable)
• Estimated number of individuals remaining
• Causes for declines
• Efforts underway to save the species and/or what could be done to save the species
• Future outlook for the species
Part 2 – Use a single page (one side, 12pt font, 1.15 line spacing) to describe an invasive/exotic species of your choice and to discuss the factor(s) responsible for the species spread/invasion. Finally, discuss actions or possible actions that could be taken to remove or limit the spread of the species.
Be sure to include the following:
• Common name scientific name
• Brief description of species and natural history (habitat, diet, reproduction etc.). You may include a photograph (no larger than 2”x2”, include a citation/URL)
• Species range (original and new if possible (you can use a map, should be no larger than 2”x2” and include a citation/URL)
• Estimated number of individuals/population size
• Causes and mechanism responsible for the spread of the species (impacts on native species)
• Efforts underway to remove/limit the species, and/or what could be done to limit/remove the species
• Future outlook for the species
This assignment is worth up to 50pts. So, please put in a requisite amount of effort!