For this assignment, you are to complete the following 3 parts, that build on one another:
Observe an animal, or animals, that is/are in captivity with you observing them for a minimum of 2 hours. Here you can go to a zoo, a pet store, a sanctuary, an aquarium, or watch an animal via a livestream from multiple zoos around the world—note companion animals do not count for this, nor animals in the wild or in a park—they have to be in captivity.
For this, turn in a summary of observed behaviors based on an animal ethogram (to be covered in Canvas video, and see pptx on animal ethograms on Canvas);
For this you *must* use an online program that can help you turn your observations into a chart/graph/graphic, to visually represent your data. Label your charts for the various categories of behavior you observed over the 2-hour period. (10 points)
First, explain in one paragraph your methods of observation; (10 points)
In another paragraph, share and explain the results of your observations, referencing the chart as needed; (10 points)
And in a final paragraph, the conclusions of your observations, regarding what you think the health and well-being of the animal may be. (10 points)
After you have reported the above, provide a detailed paragraph or two of how the animals you have observed will be impacted by human caused climate change by the year 2100 in their original, native habitat, and what their habitat needs will be in order to remain a genetically viable species. Extrapolate and apply here your findings from #1, to think through how the observed behaviors may or may not be met in 2100 on a 2C warmer planet. Here you must use two scientific studies/reports in your analysis on the animal’s habitat, and then the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s April 2022 report to talk about climate predictions (5 points per use of sources, for 15 points; 15 points for overall discussion, for 30 points).
As you report on suggested habitat/ecosystem needs from science and the 2 reports/studies you cite, use language and share some of the steps from the below graphics, to help analyze and discuss how those habitat needs and climate change impacts were hypothesized by scientific methods and findings: (10 points)
Lastly, interrogate and share what the scientific method as articulated in #2, may be missing in helping to understand the habitat needs of the animals you observed. i.e. what may science be missing, to help humans understand the habitat needs of the animal/s in question, and for humans to protect those animals during climate change. Think here of I=PATV (Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology x Values) and some of the cultural values around conservation, of ethically valuing animals, and other cultural views of animals/ecosystems we have encountered in this course. Here you should utilize a minimum of 2 readings, videos, documentaries, and/or discussion prompts we covered throughout this course, that may be needed to help protect these animals and that mechanistic science and the scientific method are not able to address. Here you should also reference the above graphics on the scientific method in your analysis of what is specifically missing from them/the scientific method as you answer this part. (5 points per use of class materials; 10 points overall analysis, for 20 points)
Links
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-ii/
https://www.pcmag.com/news/10-free-data-visualization-tools
