AP Biology Invertebrates
Topics:
Day 1: Sponges, Cnidarians, Flatworms
Day 2: Annelids, Mollusks, Roundworms
Day 3: Arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans)
Day 4: Echinoderms
Each day will have a lecture on the phylum, then the remaining time will be used to work on
assignments.
C level: Choose one of the following to do for each phylum. Each assignment will contain the same
information, you have a choice on how to organize and present it. When done I will quiz you on you
chosen assignment in order to earn the points. 20 points
1.
2.
3.
4.
Complete comparison grid
Create flashcards for each phylum
Create a glog for each phylum
Another assignment of your choice with teacher approval.
For each phyla the assignment will need to include: Body symmetry/shape, segmentation, nervouscephalization response, skeleton/movement, digestion, excretion, circulation, respiration, reproduction
Due no later than: March 1
B level: Choose one of the following that has you applying the information you organized in level A.
20 points
1. Design a children's book on the invertebrate phyla.
2. Relate members of each phylum to daily life.
3. Prepare a report on the extent of flatworm parasitic infestations in humans. List the condition,
number of cases, and economic loss to society.
4. The phylum Echinodermata is unique in not possessing any freshwater representatives. Locate
these reasons and present them in your choice of format.
5. Are there any freshwater cnidarians? If so, what are they and how do you think they came to
occupy the freshwater niche?
6. How is the Portuguese man-of-war unlike jellyfish? How is it like jellyfish? Discover the facts
about jellyfish stings, including the man-of-war, and report on the number of humans affected
yearly.
7. What are the risks in eating mollusks? How can the risk be reduced? Which mollusks is the risk
highest among?
8. Investigate the reports of intelligence in cephalopods, especially octopods, including examples
of their performances.
Unless you choose option 1, answers should be typed using MLA format, no more than 2 pages in
length, include resources, and grammar and punctuation will count.
A level: Choose one of the following discussion topics to report on. 20 points
1. When a pet owner says, “My animal has worms,” what worm is most likely present? How could
you distinguish between a flatworm and a roundworm, other than by shape?
2. Why is the word “primitive” not accurate in describing early groups like sponges and
cnidarians? In the early days of biological investigation, sponges and even some cnidarians
were classified as plants. Search some older textbooks to see when and why scientists changed
their minds.
3. Some people don’t consider an organism as a true animal unless it bleeds red when injured.
Do any of the animals presented in this chapter fit this “definition”?
4. The blood fluke, Schistosoma, is an important human parasite. What role do parasites play
in nature? Are they always the “villains”?
5. Why do people normally refuse to eat insects when insects’ close relatives such as crayfish
and lobsters, and near relatives such as snails and oysters, are gourmet items? Research the
extent to which insects are used as human food in countries around the world.
Answers should be typed using MLA format, no more than 2 pages in length and include resources.
Grammar and punctuation will count.
Library March 1 to work on layers B and A
Layers B and A do no later than March 3
Assignments can be found and submitted on teacher website:
http://www.lancaster.k12.oh.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=412