APES
Biodiversity Project
Page 1
Biodiversity Project
For this research project you may choose any organism you wish. You may present the
information in a variety of ELECTRONIC formats. You may choose to create a Prezi, a web
page, a power point, a glogster, etc.
You project must include:
1. Common and scientific name of the organism.
2. Global distribution:
a. Where is this organism found?
b. Include a world map with the location highlighted.
c. Describe the type of habitat it lives in. Which biomes?
d.
3. Key Facts:
a. Classification: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, species
b. Size
c. Life span
d. General Description (for someone who might not have seen this species before).
e. Close relatives: at least two other organisms in the same or closely related Genus.
4. Lifestyle:
a. Diet
b. Eating Behavior (How does it get food?)
c. Who are its predators?
d. What role does it play in the environment? (niche)
5. Reproduction:
a. What types of behaviors does your organism do to attract a mate? What criteria do
females look for in a mate?
b. What is the age of sexual maturity?
c. How long is the gestation period? (How long are they pregnant? or What is the
incubation period for eggs? etc.)
d. How many young do they have?
e. Are the males different form the females (in structure or behavior)?
6. Adaptations:
a. How do they communicate with others?
b. Are there any colors, patterns, or other physical characteristics that helps it survive?
c. How does it respond to changes in its environment?
7. Interactions with Humans
a. Is this organism used/abused by humans? How?
b. Is it endangered? Why?
c. Are there efforts being made by humans to help save this organism?
APES
Biodiversity Project
Page 2
Project Rubric
Projects will be graded according to these criteria unless a more specific rubric has been attached
to your instructions.
Format and Presentation (20 pts):
Format
(see assignment)
10 points
Format is followed
according to the
directions given.
10 points
Creativity/Neatness
10 points
Exceptional, students
strive for originality
10 points
Much of the format Students did not follow
was followed, but
the directions for
some components are
format.
missing.
0 – 3.5 points
4-9 points
Project is creative and
neat.
4-9 points
Minimal creativity,
apparently little effort
made on presentation.
0 – 3.5 points
Content (45 pts):
Accuracy
15 points
All content is accurate, Most of the content
Content is largely
and demonstrates
accurate, with some incorrect; shows major
mastery of the subject misunderstandings and misunderstandings of
matter.
inaccuracies.
the material.
15 points
5 - 10 points
0 - 5 points
Clarity
15 points
Material is written and
Topics are mostly
Unclear; difficult to
displayed in VERY
understandable, but follow and understand.
clear and
occasionally unclear or
0 - 5 points
understandable
confusing.
language.
5 - 10 points
15 points
Thoroughness/
Completeness
15 points
ALL topics are
Most components are Topic is inadequately
addressed in a
included: some
discussed; incomplete
thorough but concise information may be left
work.
manner.
out.
0 - 5 points
15 points
5 - 10 points
TOTAL = 65 pts