Endangered Species Project

As part of our unit on ecology, we will be researching a variety of endangered species and preparing research reports on these species.  Each student will choose an endangered species that can be found at the Cleveland Zoo (see attached list).  The final project should include the following information:

Ø      Common and scientific name of the species

Ø      Taxonomy (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species)

Ø      Biome and ecosystem the species naturally inhabits; include a map of the present range in the world

Ø      Symbiotic relationships with other organisms (parasitisms, commensalisms, or mutualisms)

Ø      Picture of the species

Ø      Physical statistics such as height, length, weight, lifespan, gestation, number of offspring, sexual dimorphism, etc.

Ø      Conservation measures currently being taken to prevent extinction (captive breeding programs, refuges, etc.)

Ø      Reason species is considered endangered (deforestation, pollution, etc.)

Ø      How that species fits into its ecosystem (niche)- the food it eats, the space it takes up, any special adaptations, its enemies, predators, etc.

Ø      Does the species have any value to humans?  If so, what?

Ø      Conditions the zoo must provide for the species to ensure its optimal survival

Ø      Any other interesting facts such as ability to reproduce in captivity, special abilities, etc.

Paper Guidelines

The factual material that is expected in your endangered species project is listed above.  Use the attached self-evaluation to help yourself keep track of what you have completed.  You will need to present this material in the form of a paper.  The guidelines for this paper are as follows:

1. All papers must be typed.
2. Papers must be presented in 12-point font and double-spaced.
3. Papers must have a title page which includes:

Ø      Your name

Ø      Date

Ø      Name of your organism

4. You will need to use various sources for your research.  You will need four sources.  Sources must be high school quality- books, newspapers, magazines, and age-appropriate websites.  No textbooks, dictionaries, or encyclopedias may be used.  No more than 2 website sources may be used.
5. Papers must include a bibliography.  The forms for presentation of bibliographic information are attached.  Please note that the presentation form for books, newspapers, magazines, and websites are different.  Please use the form appropriate to your source.
6. Your project must include pictures of the organism and a map of the range of the organism.  These pictures may be presented as part of the paper or you may choose to make a Power Point presentation that includes these pictures.  If you choose to make a Power Point presentation, you will need to turn in a copy of the presentation on a disk along with your paper.

This project will be due on _______________.  Please handle all computer and printing problems in a timely fashion so that your paper can be turned in on time.  In order to participate in the field trip to the Cleveland Zoo, you must earn at least 70% on this project.