EXTINCTION:
ARE WE IN THE MIDDLE
OF A MASS EXTINCTION?
By Billy Goodman
Glen Rock, NJ
C Level work (70 points, maximum) (Each assignment
will be graded, so you will not necessarily earn the full points
just for doing the assignment. If you hope to earn a B or an A
on this unit, begin one of the B-level and one of the A-level
assignments early-don't wait till the last minute to do them.)
All Do:
1. Listen to the following lectures and take
notes: (Everyone will listen to these short lectures, 5 pts
for notes, each)
o What is mass extinction, and what are some theories for why
it happens?
o How often do species become extinct? What is the normal rate
of extinction?
o Why are some species endangered?
o What is being done to protect endangered species?
Choice:
1. Find out the names of three New Jersey
endangered species. For each one, give its scientific name (genus
and species) and identify what kind of organism it is, give
details on why it is endangered. (10 points)
2. Define: extinction, background extinction, mass extinction,
species, and endangered species, and give an example of each
in a paragraph each (10 pts)
3. Read ``The Sixth Extinction'' in National Geographic and
answer questions (15 points)
4. Read ``When Life Nearly Came to an End: The Permian Extinction''
in National Geographic and answer questions (15 points)
5. Complete extinction/endangered crossword puzzle (10 points)
6. Design, and make, an endangered species card (5 points each,
up to three)
o Include current and historic population, habitat, range,
importance (economic, cultural, biological), natural history,
why endangered, outlook
o points awarded for content and for design and attractiveness
7. Write a song or poem about endangered species (a specific
one or in general) or about the current extinction crisis (15
points; 5 points extra for performing it)
8. List the 5 prehistoric mass extinctions and write a paragraph
on each identifying the suspected cause and biological effects
(15 points)
9. Complete the activity at: http://www.starsandseas.com/SAS%20Evolution/SAS%20natselection/Extinctions.htm
which involves graphing extinction over time (10 points)
10. Find a newspaper or magazine article on extinction from
2003. Read it and write a summary. Include a photocopy or printout
of the article. (10 points)
B Level work (Qualify for C, plus choose ONE of the
following):
1. Make an endangered species poster (15 points) (points awarded
for content (visual and written) demonstrating the species'
characteristics, habitat, range, reason for endangerment, outlook,
and other noteworthy information)
2. Write a 1-2 page report on an endangered species, giving
some basic natural history of the species, background on why
it is endangered, and some analysis of its outlook (15 points)
3. Write, in a language other than English, a description of
an endangered species, including natural history about the species
and why it is endangered, and some analysis of its outlook,
and present it orally (in the language it is written in). (15
points)
4. Prepare a 5-minute power-point presentation (or oral report
with some visuals) on an endangered species, giving some basic
natural history of the species, background on why it is endangered,
and some analysis of its outlook (15 points)
5. Make a physical model or diorama that illustrates two or
three of the theories of how the dinosaurs and many other species
became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period (note: points
will be awarded for evidence in the project that you learned
about the various competing theories for the extinction and
have evaluated them; no points will be awarded for visually
interesting but content-free projects) (15 points)
A Level work (Qualify for B, plus choose ONE of the
following):
1. Write a report of 2-3 pages on the theories of the causes
for the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction, evaluating the
evidence for the theories. Use at least 2 sources. (15 points)
2. Write a report on ``the sixth extinction'' of 2-3 pages,
identifying some causes and analyzing their importance. (15
points)
3. Make a speech of 3-5 minutes identifying an important cause
of endangerment to some species or habitat and proposing a solution
(such as a political or economic solution) (15 points)
Dr Kathie Nunley
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