ANIMALS : Life Cycle and Reproduction

I. The Introduction Section

A. Organism Introduction

1. The common and scientific name of your organism. Please see this link to help with scientific names if needed: How To Write Scientific Names

2. Where you observed your organism (country, state, park, zoo, etc.)

3. A brief discussion on why you chose your organism

4. If possible, a picture and/or video of you safely observing your species in the field. If not possible, search the Internet for an image (and remember to cite your source for the image) in a typical habitat.

II. The Body

A. Physical Description

1. You must include a brief physical description. You can use your personal observations. If you cannot safely observe your organism, you must research.

a. Size, Coloring, etc.

B. Life Cycle and Reproduction

1. Life Cycle: describe the life cycle of your organism. The life cycle refers to the series of changes that happens from the beginning of life as your organism develops and grows into a mature organism. Please see here for some hints on the Life Cycle. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

2. Reproduction: You must discuss the reproductive strategies of your organism (e.g. release of gametes by a fish or hermaphroditic reproduction in earthworms), mate choice, mating displays, mate competition and mating systems.

C. Structure and Function

1. Please select one organ system of your organism that you find to be particularly interesting and describe both the anatomy and physiology of that system.

2. If your organism is an animal, here are a list of the general animal organ systems

D. Energy Ecology

1. If you can observe these, that is best. If not, research.

2. What are the food sources? Types? Amounts? Temporal pattern of feeding? Specific handling or processing of food items by the organism (e.g. the way a squirrel manipulates an acorn)

E. Habitat

1. Where your organism lives. This does not refer to a city or state, but rather the natural environment in which your organism lives.

2. You should consider abiotic factors, such as soil, water, etc., as well as biotic factors, such as predators, hosts, etc.

III. The Conclusion Section

A. This section should contain four to six points that sum up the main points from the body of the outline.

B. Start your conclusive section with one sentence summarizing some basic information about your chosen organism (name and geographical distribution).

C. Continue with a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the life cycle and any particular body structures.

D. Include a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the ecological role of your chosen organism in its ecosystem.

E. Wrap up the conclusive section with a closing note that provides brief information about a unique fact and/or behavior of your chosen organism.

IV. The Reference Section:

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