Staying Alive! Student Workbook

Transcription

1 Staying Alive! Student Workbook VCE Biology Unit 1 Areas of Study 2 & 3 Introduction The aim of this program is for students to: identify structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations in animals become more aware of the ecological relationships affecting the survival of species consider how human activities have affected the survival of species experience and practice some of the techniques used to study animals in the field investigate the factors which affect the survival of a chosen species (Scientific Investigation) Students will need the following: Clipboard Pen or pencil Camera Students will be involved in four activities during the day: 1. Educator-led session on adaptations and ecological relationships 2. Skill builder session on observing animal behaviour led by a Zoo Educator 3. Attending the Spirits of the Sky show 4. Scientific Investigation data collection Page 1 of 10

2 You may use the following data sheets and questions to assist you to gather and record information. 1. Adaptations and Ecological Relationships (with educator) Animal Observed: Adaptations Ecological Relationships Structural (take a photo) Size Behavioural Physiological Predator / Prey Defence behaviours Body functions What is its prey? Shelter Where does it shelter? Other Shape Covering Avoiding/escaping predation influenced the type of prey eaten? Colour and markings Water balance Structure of mouth/teeth Reproductive behaviours What is its predators? influenced where it can shelter? Structure of feet Structures for defence Thermoregulation influenced the type of predators present? Structures for avoiding/escaping predation Page 2 of 10

3 2. Skill Builder Session on observing animal behaviour Qualitative data When you observe an animal and record what the animal does, then you are recording qualitative data. Work with a partner. Complete the following data table by observing the behaviour of an animal in a 5- minute period. Date: Time: Weather: Animal Observed: The behaviours observed were: Behaviour Description of behaviour Page 3 of 10

4 An ethogram is a quantitative description of an animal's normal behaviour; that is how many times certain behaviours occur. Constructing a useful ethogram demands time spent watching animals, taking careful notes, and making sense of the observed behaviours. Work with a partner: Fill in the horizontal cells by choosing up to 10 of the behaviours you observed. The time interval for observations is one observation every seconds Each pair of students will record the behaviour they observe by writing an X in the table below. Table: ETHOGRAM FOR BEHAVIOUR (animal species) BEHAVIOURS TIME INTERVAL Page 4 of 10

5 3. Spirits of the Sky Show 12 noon (be there at 11.50am) Choose three or more birds that you observed during the show and describe their adaptations by completing the table below. Bird Adaptations Structural Behavioural Physiological How the adaptations assist survival Biomimicry Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and being inspired by nature s best ideas to achieve technological advances expressed in new designs, products and processes. Q. Explain how the flight of birds has inspired humans to achieve technological advances which assist our lives today. Q. Find two other examples of biomimicry involving animals either at the Sanctuary or through your own research. 4.Scientific Investigation Data Collection My question for investigation is: What factors influence the survival of the in its natural habitat? (animal species) First Hand Data This is data you collect by observing an animal directly. If you have selected an animal from the list provided by Healesville Sanctuary, go to the exhibit and find the animal. You will need to be patient. Spend at least 30 minutes at the exhibit. If your animal is visible you are able to collect first hand data. If you have a camera, take some photos. (Please observe no flash signs at certain exhibits eg Nocturnal House). The following tables are a guide as to what data you should collect. Page 5 of 10

6 4a Adaptations and Ecological Relationships Animal Observed: Adaptations Ecological Relationships Structural (take a photo) Size Behavioural Physiological Predator / Prey Defence behaviours Body functions What is its prey? Shelter Where does it shelter? Other Shape Covering Avoiding/escaping predation influenced the type of prey eaten? Colour and markings Water balance Structure of mouth/teeth Reproductive behaviours What is its predators? influenced where it can shelter? Structure of feet Structures for defence Thermoregulation influenced the type of predators present? Structures for avoiding/escaping predation 4b. Natural Habitat and the Influence of Human Activity ANIMAL NATURAL HABITAT INFLUENCE OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES (on habitat, ecological relationships, adaptations) Page 6 of 10

7 4c. Ethogram You might consider preparing an ethogram for your animal. If so you can use the tables below to record your observations. The behaviours observed were: Behaviour Description of behaviour Page 7 of 10

8 Table: ETHOGRAM FOR BEHAVIOUR (animal species) BEHAVIOURS TIME INTERVAL Page 8 of 10

9 Secondhand data This is data you collect by examining someone else s work or prior research. If your animal is not visible there may be photos or video footage available at the exhibit or online. Alternatively you could check the online resources to view photos, video footage or read the scientific articles suggested. Checking your data 1. Do you have all the data you need to answer your question? If not, what further scientific investigations are needed? 2. How reliable is your data? Comment on what you could do to obtain better data. 3. Is there any data that is of no use to you in to answering your question? Explain. 4. What issues did you encounter in collecting data? How did you resolve these? Notes Page 9 of 10

10 Conclusion Consider all of the data you have collected, prepare a response to your question: What factors influence the survival of the in its natural habitat? (animal species) Page 10 of 10