APES Endangered Species Assignment

A major focus of this unit is the importance of having countless species on Earth, and the consequences of the currently ongoing anthropogenic mass extinction of species. There have been five mass extinctions in the history of life on Earth, and we are in the midst of the sixth, which is primarily the result of human activities.

There are three human activities that have resulted in the extinction of thousands of species of flora and fauna in the recent history of life on Earth. One activity is the destruction of the habitat. As we have learned in previous units, all life has multiple needs that it must fulfill using the resources available in its ecosystem. If all or part of an ecosystem is destroyed it can result in numerous species no longer capable of meeting their needs for survival.

A second activity is the introduction of exotic species. When a nonnative species is introduced into an ecosystem it may have the ability to displace one or more native species from that ecosystem. Often these alien species are more adaptable and respond better to change than the native species in the ecosystem.

The third significant human activity that results in extinction is the willful destruction of flora and fauna through the hunting and harvesting of species. This is the unfortunate outcome for species with characteristics, qualities, or parts that are desired by humans.

The following are the requirements of the assignment:

• You must create a model of your chosen species. This model can be made out of any biodegradable source (in other words, not Styrofoam) such as paper mache, water bottles, clay, metal, wood, popsicle sticks etc. Be creative with your material. Be accurate as to proportions, coloring etc.
• Your model must be mounted on a board of some kind to make it look nice or hung.
• You must give the following information with your model. It can be attached to the base or hanging from the model. Place it in such a way that looks professional.
• The full name of the species.
• The location of its natural habitat.
• The primary and all secondary causes of its decline in population.
• The specific characteristics of the species that has lead to it decline.
• Any conservation efforts currently underway