Biology 101 Laboratory   Name________________________

Riverbanks Zoo Field Trip

The following assignment will allow you to make observations related to a particular animal. You will be asked to describe each animal’s habitat, nutritional strategy, means of defense, reproductive behavior, relationships with other organisms in the habitat, and any special adaptations to its particular habitat. Complete the following exercise for the animal of your choice. Information is available at each animal’s enclosure and at the Zoo’s library.

Animal Class ___________________________

Scientific name __________________________

Common name ________________________

1.    Describe the habitat in which this organism would be found. Include the geographical range for this species, and

       the biome(s) which would be encompassed in this range.

2.    Describe the diet and nutritional strategy (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore) for this species. Describe the

       relationship between the feeding strategy and the organisms dentition (teeth), or any other adaptations related to

       feeding.

3.    Describe the means by which this organism defends itself.

4.    Describe any protective coloration or camouflage used by animal.

5.    Describe at least 3 adaptations (anatomical or behavioral) other than those named above, that allow this animal

       to survive in its particular habitat.

       A.

       B.

       C.

6.    Describe the reproductive strategy used by this organism (r-strategy, K-strategy! degree of parental care) .

       Describe any specialized reproductive behavior (courtship rituals; territoriality)

7.    Describe any symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism) which this animal has with any other

       organism.

8.    Evolutionary pressures

Biology 101       Lab Report and Presentation

Written Report

    The lab report will consist of a 3-4 page typewritten report based on the field trip taken to Riverbanks Zoo. The

    report should include all of the information requested from the study sheet. The information should come from at

    least two sources, one of which should be a current periodical reference. You should cite these at the end of your

    paper using the APA style. It will be due during the next to the last lab. Please use the following format for your

    written report.

I. Introduction (List)

   A.   Scientific name (Genus and species)

   B.   Common name

   C.   Scientific class

   D.   Geographic range

II. Nutritional strategy  Describe in one or two paragraphs the animal’s nutritional strategy (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, filter feeder). Describe any unique feeding strategy the animal possesses.

III. Defense  Describe in one or two paragraphs means by which this animal defends itself. Include any protective coloration or camouflage in your discussion.

IV. Adaptations  Describe at least three special adaptations that allow this animals to survive in its particular geographical range. You should include an anatomical, physiological and a behavioral adaptation in your discussion. Relate these to the unique environmental pressures in the animal’s geographic range.

V. Reproduction  Describe the reproductive strategy (r or K-strategy) utilized by this animal. Include any courtship rituals, territoriality and degree of parental care and involvement in your discussion.

VI. Symbiosis  Describe any symbiotic relationships that involve your animal: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism.

VII. Ecological status  Discuss whether your selected animal is currently endangered or threatened in any way, and if so, the reasons behind this situation habitat destruction, hunting, predation, lack of predation, pollution, disease, etc.)