APESBiodiversity ProjectPage 1

Biodiversity Project

For this research project you may choose any organism you wish. You may present the information in a variety of formats. You may choose to create a flip book, a web page, a power point presentation, a poster, etc. The more creative you are the better.

You project must include:

1. Common and scientific name of the organism.

2. Global distribution:

  1. Where is this organism found?
  2. Include a world map with the location highlighted.
  3. Describe the type of habitat it lives in. Which biomes?

3. Key Facts:

  1. Classification: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, species
  2. Size
  3. Life span
  4. General Description (for someone who might not have seen this species before).
  5. Close relatives: at least two other organisms in the same or closely related Genus.

4. Lifestyle:

  1. Diet
  2. Eating Behavior (How does it get food?)
  3. Who are its predators?
  4. What role does it play in the environment? (niche)

5. Reproduction:

  1. What types of behaviors does your organism do to attract a mate? What criteria do females look for in a mate?
  2. What is the age of sexual maturity?
  3. How long is the gestation period? (How long are they pregnant? or What is the incubation period for eggs? etc.)
  4. How many young do they have?
  5. Are the males different form the females (in structure or behavior)?

6. Adaptations:

  1. How do they communicate with others?
  2. Are there any colors, patterns, or other physical characteristics that helps it survive?
  3. How does it respond to changes in its environment?

7. Interactions with Humans

  1. Is this organism used/abused by humans? How?
  2. Do people have myths or prejudices about this species?
  3. Is it endangered? Why?
  4. Are there efforts being made by humans to help save this organism?

Project Rubric

Projects will be graded according to these criteria unless a more specific rubric has been attached to your instructions.

Format and Presentation:

Format
(see assignment)
15 points / Format is followed according to the directions given.
15 points / Much of the format was followed, but some components are missing.
5 - 10 points / Students did not follow the directions for format.
0 - 5 points
Creativity/Neatness
15 points / Exceptional, students strive for originality
15 points / Project is creative and neat.
5 - 10 points / Minimal creativity, apparently little effort made on presentation.
0 - 5 points

Content:

Accuracy
15 points / All content is accurate, and demonstrates mastery of the subject matter.
15 points / Most of the content accurate, with some misunderstandings and inaccuracies.
5 - 10 points / Content is largely incorrect; shows major misunderstandings of the material.
0 - 5 points
Clarity
15 points / Material is written and displayed in VERY clear and understandable language.
15 points / Topics are mostly understandable, but occasionally unclear or confusing.
5 - 10 points / Unclear; difficult to follow and understand.
0 - 5 points
Thoroughness/
Completeness
15 points / ALL topics are addressed in a thorough but concise manner.
15 points / Most components are included: some information may be left out.
5 - 10 points / Topic is inadequately discussed; incomplete work.
0 - 5 points