Honors Biology Research Project: Philadelphia Zoo

You will be working in groups of 4 and will explore one of the following exhibits at the Philadelphia Zoo: PECO Primate Reserve Reptiles Amphibians Small Mammal House Bear Country Big Cat Falls McNeil Avian Center You and your group will give a comprehensive analysis of a group of animals including their evolutionary and ecological history. You will also be evaluating the purpose of a zoo, would a zoo in Flemington be a good idea? Look for specific things and reporting your findings. Keep in mind the most important thing zoos are necessary because of the decrease of natural populations of many of the worlds animal species due to encroaching human populations worldwide. Zoos will be a storage facility, of a sort, to house the genetic resources needed to keep these species from disappearing from the planet. Essential Questions: What is the natural history of the animals you are researching? How have their evolutionary adaptations helped them in their natural environments? What type of relationships did these animals have in the wild with others of their own kind or with other species (including plants) in their natural ranges? What is the purpose of a zoo? Goals There will be many stages of the project that you will be involved in. These include: learning, planning, and the creation of a product. Through this project you will not only learn about your animal but, some concepts in evolution and ecology. During this research project you will be expected to: Ask authentic questions of text Synthesize a variety of sources to answer essential questions Evaluate resources and information Develop responsibility for their own learning Work in cooperative teams

Important Information
This is a professional presentation, and thus groups must carry themselves in a professional manner during the preparation and presentation of their project. Groups must be prepared for their presentation on the scheduled day. The only time allotted prior to presentation is for set-up. Being prepared for a presentation = limited use of notecards, speeches, or the screen (students should not read directly from a script or directly from the screen). Avoid technical glitches by being prepared. You will have the opportunity to invite family or special friends to this presentation (mom/dad/aunt/uncle/grandma/grandpa/etc) and supervisors and administrators may also be invited to attend these presentations.

Part I Individual Responsibility: Research a single animal from the exhibit

Your focus is the adaptations of the animal and how these adaptations help the animal survive in its habitat. Presentation - This portion of the project will be prepared and graded individually with the aid of your group. - Presentations will be in the form of a booklet (see layout). - All members of the group will hand this booklet in together.

Give credit where it is due

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Present a works cited page in MLA format. You must have at least one primary resource from a zoo or animal specialist. This can be accomplished via e-mail, Skype, phone, or an in-person interview during our zoo trip.

Information to include (with guiding questions) dig deeper. - Provide the classification of the animal using the complete Linnaean classification scheme (in proper notation) Describe the natural habitat of the animal. o What is the biome that the animal lives in? Describe key features of this biome. o How have these conditions affected the evolution of the animal? o Has the natural environment of the animal changed over time due to human impact? How has this affected the species? Describe the habitat recreated by the zoo. o Why did the zoo provide particular features for the animal? o Are there inventions to make the animals feel at home? o Has the zoo met the needs of this animal? (include care as well as habitat) Describe any adaptations necessary for survival (think: habitat features, food source, protection from predators). o What features does the animal have that help it survive in the natural environment? How is it suited to its environment? o Relate the structures of the animal to the function. o How have these adaptations evolved in the wild? Describe the feeding relationships of this animal in the wild and in the zoo. o What type of feeding relationships does the animal have (primary consumer, secondary, etc.)? o Identify other organisms it would eat. o How does the animal obtain its food, are there any unique behaviors associated with this? Provide examples of behaviors of this animal both in the wild and in the zoo. o What type of symbiotic relationships might the animal be a part of? o What relationships does the animal have at the zoo? Does it live with other animals? Why or why not? If so, would it have a relationship with this animal in its natural habitat? o Does the animal interact with other animals of its species?

Identify additional key features you feel the reader of your booklet should be aware of o Minimum of 3 facts are necessary

Part II - Group Responsibilities Presentation

Groups will present together and all individuals in the group must play a role At least 2 visuals must be used (powerpoint, relevant video, website, specimen, handout etc.). A class activity can count as a visual. Limit written text in the visual presentation. Show pictures to enhance what you are explaining. Presentations should be no longer than 15 minutes. Be prepared.

Give credit where it is due

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Your group must present a works cited page in MLA format.

Information to include: Evolutionary relationships

Comparison of the evolutionary backgrounds of your animals (a complete phylogeny of these animals) o Compare the Linnaean classification of your animals. Relate this to the evolution of the animals. o Do the animals share a common ancestry? If so, identify the common ancestor(s). o Where are the divergences of these animals? Describe the adaptations which developed through these divergences. What separates these animals? Describe any common characteristics or adaptations these animals all share. Hypothesize why. o Are the natural histories and ecosystems similar between all the members of the group? o Do the animals share the same niche?

Zoo Analysis (focus on your grouping of animals)

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of placing the animals in captivity? o How are the animals chosen for captivity? How did the animals get there? o Would the zoo choose to keep any animals in the wild instead of putting them in a zoo? Why? o Do animals behave differently in captivity? Any positive or negative effects of captivity? o How does captivity affect future generations (can be linked to genetic diversity & breeding) o Are the animals set free? o How do the trainers interact with the animals? Do they teach the animals? o Do are the trainers educated to care for the animals? Do the trainers visit the natural habitat of these animals? How is the zoo maintaining genetic diversity amongst the species considering the limited gene pool the zoo has to work with?

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Are there any breeding programs for the animals? Include examples from your exhibit

How does the zoo help to protect or conserve the animals in your exhibit in the wild? o Are the animals endangered or extinct in the wild? Explain the cause of this. o How have humans changed their ways to prevent these animals from becoming extinct? o Are there any special projects or fundraising efforts by the Philadelphia zoo for your grouping of animals?