Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment

DUE: Friday, May 31, 2013

This project is your final assignment for the Ecology unit. It will tie together all aspects of ecology and ecosystems studied in this course. Research, application of knowledge obtained in this course, as well as original, independent thought will be required to successfully complete this project.

Topics:

Choose one of the following topics:

1.

Species at Risk in Canada

Research a species at risk in Canada. Your research should be able to thoroughly inform your audience about this species at risk in Canada.

Your presentation of your research must include the following information: The species name, both common and scientific The food web(s) which it is a part of Identify to which trophic level it belongs (e.g. producer, herbivore, primary consumer, etc.) If a consumer, identify what type of consumer it is (e.g. primary, secondary, tertiary, top, etc.) Provide an illustration/graphic of the food web(s) to which it belongs. Its natural habitat Where the organism is distributed in that habitat. The Canadian biome in which it primarily resides Specific biotic and abiotic factors that affect this species (Provide a species-specific description of biotic and abiotic factors, not simply the general list of all factors. Think about this!) The at-risk category to which the species belongs Extinct, endangered, extirpated, threatened or vulnerable (special concern) Why the species is at risk Its numbers, past and present How the population has changed over time Has there been a paradigm shift with respect to this species? Explain. As part of your explanation, address: How did people in the past think of this organism? Has the thinking changed? Why has the mindset changed? What specific impact(s), positive and/or negative, do humans have on these species? Explain. How can this species and the habitat in which it lives be maintained in a sustainable manner? What measures are in place to try to help it recover?

Some useful resources:

http://www.ec.gc.ca/nature/default.asp?lang=En&n=FB5A4CA8-1 http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct5/index_e.cfm http://www.wwf.ca/conservation/species/

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment DUE Friday, May 31, 2013

2.

During this course, you have increased your knowledge of sustainability. Natural resources are available in this province, yet those resources are limited and measures must be taken to ensure that industries of future generations reap similar benefits as those of today. This assignment will address sustainability and paradigm shifts regarding natural resource industries in our province through research. Choose and research an industry in our province that uses natural resources, either renewable or nonrenewable. Examples of some industries you may choose, but are not limited to, are: Mining Forestry Fishing Petroleum You are not limited to these industries. However, if there is another industry you would like to do, please discuss it with me prior to beginning your research. The presentation of your research must include the following information: 1. 2. 3. 4. Describe the methods that were used to obtain this resource 25 to 30 years ago. Describe the current method of obtaining this resource if there has been a change. Identify any paradigm shifts that may have occurred in the industry. Address how the practices in the industry have changed and why they have changed. Have the changes contributed to sustainability of the resource? How have these changes allowed for sustainability to be maintained? If sustainable management of the resource has not yet been achieved, what would you suggest to leaders in the industry to aid them in the sustainable use of the natural resource?

Sustainability of a Natural Resource

3.

Exotic species put stress on native species in an ecosystem when introduced, sometimes bringing about catastrophic changes to the existing balance in the ecosystem. Research an exotic species in Canada or in Newfoundland and Labrador. In the presentation of your research, you must include the following: The species name, both common and scientific The type of ecosystem, biome and geographic area that the exotic species came from The niche the species plays in the ecosystem of which it is now a part of, as well as the native species whose niche was taken over by the exotic species Food web(s) that illustrate the trophic structure in the ecosystem: Before the species was introduced to the ecosystem After the species was introduced to the ecosystem Be sure to: Identify to which trophic level it belongs (e.g. producer, herbivore, primary consumer, etc.) If a consumer, also identify what type of consumer it is (e.g. primary, secondary, tertiary, top, etc.) Description of the negative impacts on the ecosystem that came as a result of the species introduction. Description of the positive impacts on the ecosystem that came as a result of the species introduction.

Exotic (Introduced) Species

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment DUE Friday, May 31, 2013 Specific biotic and abiotic factors that affect this species. (Provide a species-specific description of biotic and abiotic factors, not simply the general list of all factors. Think about this!) Has there been a paradigm shift with respect to this species? Explain. (Hint: How did people in the past think of this organism? Has the thinking changed? Why has the mindset changed?) How does this species affect sustainability of a specific resource? Identify that resource and describe the impact it has.

Some useful resources:

http://canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/species/index.htm http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/biodiversity/invasive_alien_species/index.html http://www.invasivespecies.gc.ca/english/view.asp?x=1

Format:

Choose one of the following formats: The format in which you present your research can take any of the following forms: Brochure Video Recording Poster Audio Recording Microsoft PowerPoint presentation Song Essay This is an individual, independent assignment. Collaboration

is not permitted.

General Expectations and Guidelines:______________________________________________ Choose a topic that you are not familiar with, but are interested in. Most of your grade is based on content. When I grade these projects, I try to see whether you understand the subject you are discussing. The application of concepts that we have discussed in class to the discussion of your topic turns an average project into a good or excellent one. I do expect that you will apply what we have learned in your discussion, where possible. Don't just quote information from sources without explaining it. It is obvious when you are explaining something that you understand, as opposed to merely repeating something that you have read without understanding it. If you don't understand it, don't include it! If you think it's important enough that you ought to include it, but you don't understand it, then find someone (like me) to explain it to you. Another portion of your mark will be based on general clarity of expression, spelling, grammar, and visual appeal. If you require assistance, I am willing to help you express yourself more clearly and correctly. Some of your grade will be based on your references. I expect at least three (3) different sources. You must cite all sources for your presentation. The World Wide Web is a useful resource, however not all information on it is peer-reviewed (i.e. anyone can make a Web site). Be very wary of the online resources you use. I have suggested some excellent online resources within the assignment, which may be a good starting point. All information and quotations must be referenced to specific sources. I have no preference for what style you use for your references, as long as it is clear and consistent. References to World Wide Web pages must include the author (if given), the title, and the URL.

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment DUE Friday, May 31, 2013

Criteria (45 points)________________________________________________________________ Name of species Common 2 1 0 Scientific 2 1 0 Food chain(s) and food web(s) Trophic level identified Food web(s) illustrations Natural habitat identified Distribution of species in habitat Biome identified Description of specific biotic and abiotic factors affecting species? Biotic Abiotic At-risk category identified Why the species is at risk Statement of its numbers Past Present Description of how the population has changed over time Discussion of paradigm shift with respect to species

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment Rubric 1: At-Risk Species

2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0

2 1

1 0 1

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 3 Specific human impact on species 5 4 3 Discussion of managing species and its habitat in a sustainable manner 5 4 3 Identification of measures are in place to try to help it recover 4 3

Expression (15 points) Clarity of expression Spelling and grammar Visual Appeal

____/45 ___________________________________________________________ 5 4 3 2 1 0 5 4 3 2 1 0 5 4 3 2 1 0

____/15 Reference List (5 points)______________________________________________________________ Reference list included with specific sources cited 2 1 0 At least 3 different sources 3 2 1 0 Final Mark and Comments________________________ _________ ____/5 __________________/65

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment DUE Friday, May 31, 2013
Name: ____________________________

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment Rubric 2: Sustainability of a Natural Resource

_________________________________________________ Methods that were used to obtain this resource 25 to 30 years ago 3 2 The current method of obtaining this resource, if there has been a change 3 2
Criteria (15 points)

_________ 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

Paradigm shifts in the industry Contribution of changes to sustainability of the resource

2 3

1 2

How have these changes allowed for sustainability to be maintained? (Also, if sustainable management of the resource has not yet been achieved, what would you suggest to leaders in the industry to aid them in the sustainable use of the natural resource?) 3 2 1 0
____/15 Expression (15 points) ____________________________________________ _______________ Clarity of expression 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Spelling and grammar 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Overall Appeal of Presentation 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 ____/3 Reference List (5 points) ______________________________________ ____________________ Reference list included with specific sources cited 2 1 0 At least 3 different sources 3 2 1 0

____/5
Final Mark and Comments

_______________________________

/23

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment DUE Friday, May 31, 2013

Science 1206 Ecology Final Assignment Rubric 3: Exotic (Introduced) Species

Criteria (37 points) Name of species Common Scientific Ecosystem type identified Canadian Biome identified Geographic region from which it came identified Food chain(s) and food web(s) Before the species was introduced to the ecosystem After the species was introduced to the ecosystem Trophic level identified

2 2

1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1 1

0 0 0

Niches Filled by invasive species in the ecosystem of which it is now a part of Filled by the native species whose niche was taken over by the exotic species

2 2

1 1

0 0

Description of the negative impacts on the ecosystem that came as a result of the species introduction. 2 1 0 Description of the positive impacts on the ecosystem that came as a result of the sp ecies introduction. 2 1 0 Description of specific biotic and abiotic factors affecting species? Biotic Abiotic Discussion of paradigm shift with respect to species Effect of species on sustainability of a resource Resource identified 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 ____/37

2 2

1 1

0 0

Expression (15 points) Clarity of expression Spelling and grammar Overall Appeal of Presentation

4 4 4

3 3 3

2 2 2

1 1 1

0 0 0 ____/12

Reference List (3 points) Reference list included with specific sources cited

At least 3 different sources

2 2

1 1

0 0 ____/5

Final Mark and Comments

/54