Conclusion

At the conclusion of this activity you will be an expert on a species from one of several classes of animals. You have collected data that enables you to make an educated decision as to what components from this particular animal will provide an engineered species the best chance of survival in a unique environment. Your focus has been on a select group of anatomical features to consider for a specific environment. You will have developed the skills to compare the anatomical features of this species to those of different classes of animals and apply this knowledge in your design.

What features allow an animal to survive in its environment? What physical traits allow animals to get their food? To defend themselves? Could a frog survive in a desert? Do birds inhabit regions of scarce vegetation? What are the benefits to having a tail? To be covered with fur? All of these questions and more can be answered by you and your panel of experts.

The knowledge you have obtained will allow you to analyze a variety of topics related to species diversity and adaptations. Check out the following links to utilize the expertise you have developed from this project:

Animal Adaptations

http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirtrep/animal/

http://www.birminghamzoo.com/pdf/Survival_of_Fittest_HS.pdf

http://www.uen.org/utahlink/activities/view_activity.cgi?activity_id=4750

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/curriculum/weeklywebadventures/animal_adapt/t_home.html

http://www.trinity.wa.edu.au/plduffyrc/subjects/science/biology/adaptation.htm

Author: Theresa Butler