Total Points= 20 points
1. List four important environmental factors that affect the distribution and abundance of an organism.
4 points total
Various answers will be given – suggested responses include:

Sunlight

Soil

Temperature

Ocean Currents

Wind Currents

Precipitation

Humidity

Salinity

Water Chemistry

Etc.
1 Point – One factor given
2 Points – Two factor given
3 Points – Three factor given
4 Points – All four factor given
2. Can an organism live in an unsuitable area or habitat? Explain.
3 points total
Provides a Yes or No response.
1 Point – Provides an explanation that defends their response
2 Points- Provides an explanation that defends their response and provides adequate examples to support that response
3. List THREE important biological/ecological requirements for a penguin species.
3 points total
Various answers will be given – suggested responses include:

Food/Diet (fish, squid, crustaceans)

Cold water

Shelter

Ice

Other penguins of that species

Wings for swimming

Feet to walk

Blubber for insulation

Beak for hunting

Vocalizations

Etc.

1 Point – One requirement given
2 Points – Two requirements given
3 Points – Three requirements given
4. Provide an example of an organism that is greatly affected by its environment. What environmental factors affect the organism and how do they affect its survival?
4 points total
2 Points – Provides an organism example (the Galapagos Penguin is the expected answer).
2 Points – Identifies at least two environmental factors (various factors will be given).
5. What are some behavior adaptations that the Galapagos penguin has evolved to survive in a tropical climate on the equator?
2 points total
Must address two or more of the following answers:

Panting

Shielding feet from sun (loss of heat)

Swim during day time (cool waters)

Use rock crevices and outcrops for shelter
6. What two ocean currents are mainly responsible for the unique distribution of the
Galapagos penguin and how do they benefit its survival?
4 points total
2 Points - Identify Cromwell (or Equatorial Counter Current) and Humboldt (or Peru
Current)
2 Points – Identify benefits of each:

Cromwell – Upwelling cold, nutrient-rich water from extreme depths

Humboldt – Carries cold waters from south polar areas to equator.