Year 7 Classification and Ecosystems: Animal Research Task 2022 Scientists discover new species every day and there is so much that we do not understand yet about the animals we already know! But will we get the chance? Wildlife across the Earth is reducing at an alarming rate and many species that we know and love are at risk of extinction; elephants, tigers, rhinos, lions, pandas, sloths, jaguars and many more. Why? The main reason is the loss of habitat, because many forests are being destroyed and developed into cities for people to live. Other reasons include unsustainable agriculture, poaching and pollution. This task is your chance to learn more about an animal of your choice. You are to choose any wild animal from one of the vertebrate groups (mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians) and research information about its classification, characteristics and role in an ecosystem as outlined below: 1. Classification: a) Common name and correct binomial name. b) Classify your animal from Kingdom down to Species. Organising this information into a table may help. 2. Habitat and Adaptations: a) Where on Earth does it live? Describe the specific habitat and ecosystem of this animal. b) Describe any special adaptations to its environment? (structural or behavioural) c) Explore its life cycle to find out how it grows and reproduces. 3. Role in an Ecosystem: a) What are its predators? b) What is its diet/method of feeding? c) Describe your animal’s role in its ecosystem. d) Determine which trophic level your animal holds and illustrate this with a food web. 4. Survival of the Species: a) What is the conservation status of your animal? (Endangered, Threatened, Least Concern) b) Describe any threats to the survival of this species. c) What human activities are having an impact on your animal and what steps can we take to reduce this impact and help protect this animal in the wild? 5. Presentation: Your final project can be presented as: an electronic poster or PowerPoint / Google Slides (Please check with your teacher for further clarification on the submission date and any further requirements) Use the checklist below to make sure you have included: all the required information photos/diagrams/drawings bibliography or reference list listing the books/ websites you have used Year 7 Classification and Ecosystems: Animal Research Task 2022 Due date: _______________________ Use the Timeline below to help you to organise your time and complete sections of the task each week until it is done, rather than on the day before it is due. Set a goal… I will work on… In week 1… Research task has been introduced. Read criteria carefully to find out what information needs to be gathered. Choose an animal: Use National Geographic website or similar to read about interesting and unusual animals. Use this research to choose an animal that I will use to complete this task. Work on the ‘Classification’ section for my chosen animal. In week 2… Work on the ‘Habitat and Adaptations’ section for my chosen animal. How can I present this information in an interesting way? Remember to keep a record of any resources I use for information or pictures to include in my bibliography. In week 3… Work on the ‘Role in an Ecosystem’ section and the ‘Survival of the Species’ section for my chosen animal. How can I present this information in an interesting way? Remember to keep a record of any resources I use for information or pictures to include in my bibliography. In week 4… All the information has been gathered together. Collate or organize all photos, diagrams, maps and information on your animal of interest. Is any of my typed information directly copied from a resource online? Summarize this information in my own words. Update bibliography and check all spellings and grammar. The assignment is DUE at the end of this week, on ___________________ Done? Date Completed Year 7 Classification and Ecosystems: Animal Research Task - Assessment Rubric Name: ____________________________ Criteria Classification Binomial name Kingdom to Species Habitat and Adaptations Location Habitat Life cycle and reproduction Special structural and behavioural adaptations Role in an Ecosystem Diet/Method of feeding Predators Trophic level Description of its role in an ecosystem Food web Survival of the Species Conservation status Threats to survival Human impact Suggestions to help protect the species Presentation and Originality Choice of presentation shows creativity Neat and clear Includes variety of photos, annotated diagrams, maps Described in your own words Research skills, Spelling / Grammar and Bibliography Use of a variety of references Sources of information and photos acknowledged Animal: _____________________________ / 30 Very High (5) High (4) Medium (3) Low (2) Very Low (1) Includes all required classification details, and binomial name in correct format Includes all required classification details and binomial name Includes all required classification details only Includes some evidence of required classification details only Classification details included but mostly incomplete All required elements are included with extensive detail All required elements are included with some detail All required elements are included Most required elements are included Many required elements are missing All required elements are included with extensive detail All required elements are included with some detail All required elements are included Most required elements are included Many required elements are missing All required elements are included with extensive detail All required elements are included with some detail All required elements are included Most required elements are included Many required elements are missing Completed to an excellent standard and displays creativity Work is well articulated and is original content Completed to a very high standard and displays creativity Work is well written and is mostly original content Completed to a good standard and displays creativity Work is well written, but lacks some originality Complete, and displays some creativity but lacks originality Thorough research technique including relevant facts and pictures Some research technique including relevant facts and pictures Limited research technique Highly thorough research technique including relevant facts and pictures No spelling mistakes Bibliography reflects extensive research through more than five references One to three spelling or grammar mistakes Four -six spelling or grammar mistakes Bibliography reflects detailed research through at least four -five references Bibliography reflects limited research through two to three references Complete, but displays limited creativity and originality Research skills not shown More than 6 spelling or grammar mistakes Bibliography reflects very little research through only one reference More than 6 spelling or grammar mistakes Bibliography not included
