Wanted POSTER

DEAD OR ALIVE? YOU DECIDE!

TASK: To create a Wanted 8.5 x 11” poster using your research of one species.

Choose a name from the list of species provided, and create a poster to make your organism a household name!

Is your species ENDANGERED, and needs some level of protection? Or is it an INVASIVE species that needs to be removed, PERMANENTLY? Follow instructions below.

YOUR SPECIES: ______

THE POSTER (Front Page) MUST HAVE

  • Identification:NAME OF ORGANISM (Common name followed by Latin name, in PROPER FORM.)
  • Picture:At least ONE picture (color printout or drawing of the organism; should be one of the central features on the front) and a brief description of the organism (Ex: has stripes for camouflage)
  • Last Seen/Suspected Hideout:Map of Current Distribution, a brief description of the location you’re most likely to find the organism, and a brief description of what food source(s) it prefers there
  • “ENDANGERED!” or “INVASIVE!” Why is your species a Poster Child for the Environment? Why are they on a WANTED poster? Do some research and find out!

THE REPORT (Back Page) MUST HAVE

  • Adescription of the organism itself, and its niche. What is its role in the environment, in a food web (include a food web diagram), what are its habitat requirements? Use terms from the book/notes!
  • How is the ecosystem affected by its addition or removal? How are humans affected?

SOME SPECIFICS:

If you have an INVASIVE SPECIES, include this information in your report (in no particular order):

  • Crimes Committed:
  • Specific characteristics that make it such a good invader. Why was it able to take over so easily?
  • Its most common method of transport—how it got where it is. Many species have their own special story.
  • The specific threats it presents to its new environment—to plants/animals/humans—what’s the big deal?
  • If Found:
  • Attempts at removal, or suggested techniques (mechanical, chemical, biological) for removal. What’s the success rate?
  • Name a US state or federal agency that could be involved in the management of this species.
  • Name a US state or federal law, or an international treaty, that could support the isolation of this species.

If you have an ENDANGERED SPECIES, include this information in your report (in no particular order):

  • Crimes Committed AGAINST:
  • Specific characteristics that make it more susceptible to being threatened. Why has population declined?
  • Its most common cause of disappearance. Consider HIPPCO for this especially, but also for ALL threats to endangered species and diversity in general.
  • What “cascading” effects could the loss of this organism have on the rest of the ecosystem? Why is it important to save them? Be as specific as you can.
  • If found:
  • What attempts have been made to preserve this species? What’s the success rate?
  • Name a US state or federal agency that could be involved in the management of this species.
  • Name a US state or federal law, or an international treaty, that could support the preservation of this species.

Intangibles & Bibliography: Poster should be neat, attractive, and creative. Make sure to use spell check! Bibliography should be attached to the back of your poster. Use MLA format for your sources – look at suggested sites below:

Wanted Poster Rubric / MAX SCORE / MY SCORE
Title: must include a phrase like “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” “Most Wanted,” “Least Wanted,” etc., scientific and the common name of the organism; title should either contain color or some sort of shape/pattern to catch the eye. Somewhere on the front should answer the question: Why are they on the poster? / 3
Picture & Identification: (include the heading) color printout or drawing of organism; should be one of the central features of the poster & brief description (at least 3 characteristics) of the organism / 2
Last Seen/Suspected Hideouts: (include the heading) A map of the distribution of the organisms and a brief description of a location you’re most likely going to find the organism, a brief description of what type of food source(s) it prefers here / 5
Report: Description of the organism and its niche – what is its role in the environment? In a food web (include the food web)? What are its habitat requirements? How is the ecosystem affected by its addition or removal? How are humans affected? / 5
Crimes Committed: (include the heading) / 5
If Found…: (include the heading) / 5
Intangibles & Bibliography: Poster should be neat, attractive and creative. Bibliography should be on the back of your poster. Use MLA format for your sources – should have at least two non-Wikipedia sources (Look at suggested sites below) / 5
FINAL SCORE / 30

Sign-Up Sheet

Invasives: Endangereds:

Northern snakehead / Africanized bees / Northern spotted owl / Tiger (any kind)
Emerald ash borer / Nutria / Hawksbill turtle / Elephant (any kind)
Water hyacinth / Lionfish / Mountain gorilla / Red wolf
Argentine Ant / Cane Toad / Saola / Fin Whale
Gypsy moth (caterpillar) / Asian tiger mosquito / Rhinoceros (any kind) / Orangutan (any kind)
Asian carp / Brown marmorated stinkbug / Hector’s Dolphin / California condor
Kudzu vine / Mediterranean fruit fly / Whooping crane / Bluefin tuna
Ice Plant / European Starling / Dugong / Black-footed Ferret
Air Potato Plant /
Australian Pine / Humphead Wrasse /
Greater Sage-Grouse