Endangered Species Research Paper
Your task is to research an endangered species. You can find an exhaustive list of endangered wildlife
and plants on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website. Your organism of choice must currently be listed
as endangered.
We will walk through the research paper process together. You are required to keep a journal of your
research efforts. I will check your journal EACH Friday to determine if you are progressing on your
research paper. You MUST keep track of your sources in your journal! You are required to present a
rough draft to one adult and one peer prior to turning in your final draft. You will keep your research
journal and rough draft in a folder that will be turned in on the project due date. The final paper MUST
be submitted via turnitin.com
Information necessary (Your paper must include the following information about your endangered
species)
I.
Species Description
a. Scientific name
b. Taxonomy
c. General phenotypic description
d. A picture of your organism
II. Habitat: Describe the organism’s physical habitat
a. World location (where is it found)
b. Biome where it is found
i. Climate
ii. Terrain
c. Other organisms in its ecosystem
d. Adaptations for survival in its habitat
e. Niche
f. Predators or prey?
III. Behavior
a. How does your organism obtain food?
b. What resources are vitally necessary for its survival?
c. How does your organism reproduce?
i. Are there barriers to reproduction? If so, explain.
IV. Endangerment
a. When was your species listed as endangered?
b. Why is it listed as endangered?
c. What can be done to preserve the species?
d. How would extinction of your species affect its ecosystem or the biosphere?
e. Are there any groups focused on preservation of your species? If so, what are they? Are
they showing any success?
This is a research paper and, therefore should include introductory and concluding statements. You
should also have a minimum of four sources that includes at least two primary sources.