Scribd
Upload
11 views

Living Systems Capstone

The document outlines a capstone project focused on researching a threatened or endangered species, specifically sharks, and creating a policy or law to aid in their conservation. Students will assume various roles and utilize resources like the IUCN to gather information on the species' ecological role, dietary needs, and current conservation efforts. The project culminates in a publication aimed at educating the community and garnering support for the proposed conservation policy.

Uploaded by

maileighh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views

Living Systems Capstone

The document outlines a capstone project focused on researching a threatened or endangered species, specifically sharks, and creating a policy or law to aid in their conservation. Students will assume various roles and utilize resources like the IUCN to gather information on the species' ecological role, dietary needs, and current conservation efforts. The project culminates in a publication aimed at educating the community and garnering support for the proposed conservation policy.

Uploaded by

maileighh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Living Systems Capstone: A Rescue Plan for a Declining Species

This year you have explored many aspects of the living world; everything from systems and feedback, to
genetics, to evolution and ecology. You will build on what you have already discovered about
ecosystems as you research a threatened or endangered species. You will create your own policy/law to
save this organism from further decline and possible extinction. You will apply many aspects of what
you have learned this year for this project.

http://

envirohistorytimeline.wikispaces.com/1973+Endangered+Species+Act+%281973%29
I can:
 I can compare the ecological role of a selected species to that of a close genetic relative.
 I can explain the importance of a species in its ecosystem.
 I can hypothesize a likely disruption to the ecosystem if the species becomes extinct.
 I can use scientific reasoning and defined a proposed solution to protect a species.
 I can evaluate current conservation efforts for a species.

Scenario:

You will assume the role of either a wildlife hero, marine biologist, or a member of the local community.
You will use many resources; one main source will be the IUCN. The mission of the IUCN is to influence,
encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature.
You will create a publication to share information about your declining species with community
stakeholders. You will research multiple shark species and why numbers are declining. You will research
conservations efforts and use research to write a policy/law based on your role. The goal of your efforts
is to educate the public on the importance of conservation efforts and to gain support for the new
policy/law that you plan to implement.

The Task:
1. You will select from, or be assigned, a declining species to research from the International Union
for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) threatened and endangered species red list.
2. Collect information on your assigned species using the IUCN website and/or other sites
approved by your teacher. This research will be used to assist you in creating a policy to address
the declining numbers of sharks.
3. Create your publication, either an infographic or a short newspaper article to support your
policy for addressing the problem: Declining numbers of sharks.
Day 1:
Declining Species – Research Organizer

Record your role here: _______________________

1. Common Name of Species (1):

2. Scientific Name of Species (1) (written correctly: Genus species)

3. Status of Species (1): According to the IUCN, is this species threatened or endangered?

4. Range of Species (1):


a. In what parts of the world does this species currently reside?

5. Ecosystem role (1): What role does this species play in the ecosystem?

6. Dietary Needs (1): What are its food sources?

7. Common Name of Species (2):

8. Scientific Name of Species (2) (written correctly: Genus species)

9. Status of Species (2): According to the IUCN, is this species threatened or endangered?

10. Range of Species (2):


a. In what parts of the world does this species currently reside?

11. Ecosystem role (2): What role does this species play in the ecosystem?

12. Dietary Needs (2): What are its food sources?

13. After researching the shark species assigned determine which shark species you would like to
research further. This will be the shark which you write a policy for addressing its declining
numbers. Record your choice here: ______________________________________
Directions: Complete the following questions based on the shark species you chose and recorded for
question 13.

14. Food Web: Make a food web that includes your species and at least 9 others.

15. Causes of decline:


a. What has caused the decline of your species?

b. How have humans contributed to its decline?

c. What characteristics make this species susceptible to decline?

16. Protection: What is currently being done to protect and/or help the species?
17. Given what you know about your declining species, propose two additional solutions for the
protection of your chosen species. Use the guide below to design your strategies.

o What could be done in the ecosystem to maintain the complex interactions within an
ecosystem that your declining species requires to survive?

o How could modern engineering and/or technology be used to increase the survival or
reproductive rate of the current population of your declining species?

18. Using scientific reasoning, explain why these new strategies will be effective in rescuing your
species from extinction.

19. Sources (must include at least THREE):

You might also like