Describe some factors that have lead to the endangerment of that group within the context of biodiversity and/or human impact.

1. Select group of organisms (for example African cichlids, finches, wolves, lemurs, etc…., to
construct a research essay. Note, also delimit your essay according to location. For example, will
you be focusing on, say, organisms of coral reefs? Organisms in the Arctic? Organisms in the
Mojave desert?
2. Describe how biogeography (such as geologic structures, plate tectonics) or environmental
factors such as climate, climate change, anthropogenic effects has impacted the speciation/
evolution your chosen group of organisms within an ecosystem (such as African cichlids in East
Africa, Lemurs in Madagascar, isolated island endemics or other geologically isolated endemic
group or species that you know of). Describe some factors that have lead to the endangerment of
that group within the context of biodiversity and/or human impact.
3. You may include how an invasive species has impacted the adaptation/ evolution of your group
of choice, but be sure to relate effect of that invasive species has on and endemic endangered
species in you chosen ecosystem. e.g. In California estuaries, how the Red Fox has impacted the
endangered Clapper Rail population in San Francisco Bay.
4. In your essay, describe for the group of organisms how the group established itself (adaptations)
for survival in that groups ecosystem (ex. small and tough leaves of desert plants, the use of
metabolic water by Kangaroo rats in California)
Think about plants, microbes or pathogenic organisms (they evolve too) as well……. Not just not
animals as a choice.
Include as much relevant biological information as necessary.
Devise a title that is informative.
General Considerations (‘rubric’ for grading’).
-In addition to the above, make sure you use (author-year) APA style citations.
-Writing must be clear, well structured and well edited.
-Research must be extensive, and use reputable scientific sources
-The presentation should be ‘professional’
-Word Length – c. 1500 minimum

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