The Aquatic Ecosystem of Sutang
Background
The planet Sutang has only recently been discovered, and it has a thriving ecosystem that
we are just beginning to understand. Humans plan to colonize Sutang, but the organisms
and their interactions need to be thoroughly documented and described before colonization
can begin.
Task
Create models and/or drawings of the organisms of Sutang, describe a food chain/web of
the aquatic habitat, and identify all biotic and abiotic elements in the ecosystem.
Audience
Since you and your team are the biologists, you will be illustrating and describing Sutang
for the government of Earth, and the general populace, who may soon inhabit the planet.
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to inform possible colonists and the government about the
current ecosystem of Sutang.
Procedure
1. Read the story “Grandpa,” by James H. Schmitz.
2. With your bio-survey team, describe each of the organisms found on the planet Sutang.
3. Create a poster or models for each of the organisms. These should faithfully represent
the creatures as described in the story. Label each drawing/model clearly and correctly,
especially noting any characteristic identified in the story.
4. Describe the ecosystem at large (biotic and abiotic), the food chain/web of the aquatic
ecosystem, and identify special relationships between species. This can be done as a
poster, a PowerPoint presentation, or a short paper.
5. Share your ecological findings with your audience.
The Aquatic Ecosystem of Sutang Assessment
List
ELEMENT
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VALUE
SELF
EARNED
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Ecosystem
o Abiotic & biotic elements are identified _____
o Special relationships are identified
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o Drawing or model of ecosystem is made _____
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Each of the following species is represented:
o Raft
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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o Swamp Bug
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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o Bug Rider
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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o Snapper
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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o Yellowhead
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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o White Hunter
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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o 3 additional species
 Faithfully represented
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 Clearly and correctly labeled
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Food Web/Chain
o All known relationships are identified
o Drawing is logical
o Relationships are briefly described
TOTAL
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