Vertebrate research project 11/23/09

VERTEBRATE RESEACH PROJECT
1. Obtain approval of your selected vertebrate from your teacher.
2. Refer to a variety of sources including books, magazines, videos, Internet, encyclopedias. You will need to use at least four sources and reference your sources of information as you do in Language Arts. Write on paper to be handed in with your report.
3 Research how your vertebrate’s various body parts are suited to their functions and research the vertebrate’s habitat.
4 Remember to research both internal and external structures. Your final report must include the scientific name of your vertebrate and at lest five structures and how they are suited for performing functions. Explain how each body part is adapted to suit its function such as eyes and their position o the head, body covering, appendages, Etc.
5 Include in the biotic and abiotic factors that affect your vertebrate. Examples of biotic factors:
• Predators, for lack of them
• Food preferences and supply
• Population density
• Other species with which your vertebrate interacts in its habitat
• Disease
Examples of abiotic (nonliving) factors in the following:
• Temperature range
• Precipitation
• Water
• Topography
• Wind
• Shelter
• Nesting site and a place to raise young
• Escape routes for predators.
6 Include information on the impact of your vertebrate and its habitat on humans and vise versa. Include drawing, photos, or computer-generated images of your vertebrate’s habitat, preferably with an image of your vertebrate included.
7 You will share the research project with the class. You may create a traditional poster 24x 36 in, a foldout poster,“Wanted” poster, travel brochures, Power-Point presentation. Any ONE of these may be selected. You are not turning in a written report. You should have 6-7 pages of information that you use on your poster or power-point.
8 You will need to have a draft approved of your report by December 9th. Report with final version and references are due on December 14. Presentations will be the week of Dec 14th.