You need to write a 2-3 page research paper on your species. You can either use a narrative form or address the questions in a numbered format but you must use complete sentences. You MUST include a minimum of 3 sources, at least one of which should be PEER-REVIEWED. You should include the following in your paper:
Initial Personal observation. You must, in your own words, describe the animal you have been assigned. Sketch/draw it and make note of any characteristics you notice as you are observing. You should note which phenophase(s) you are observing when you are observing the organism (Please answer based on the pictures provided below).
Physical Description: Using reputable sources, describe the species you are observing. Be sure to note any differences/details about the organisms appearance between different ages? Between the sexes? Write the description so that ANYONE could understand it (how would you describe it to a friend? Your mom?). DO NOT DIRECTLY QUOTE FROM YOUR SOURCE(S).
Physical Description: describe the leaves, flowers, fruits structure of your species. You should describe it such that anyone could use you description to identify the plant. Include the scientific species name which must either be italicized or underlined in your description.
Geographic Distribution (be specific)- where in in the world is the species found, AND where in California.
What community is your species normally found in? (for example, wetlands? Redwood forest? – salt marsh – be specific). What are the ecological limits to its distribution (may include, but not limited to, latitude, altitude, symbionts, fire, soil nutrients) ? Can you find anything on whether or not your species is sensitive to day-length and/ or temperature.
How does your species reproduce (some questions you can address include, but are not limited to: can it reproduce asexually? Is it an obligate outcrosser or can it self-pollinate? What is known about its pollinator (if you cannot find any specific information about your species, then hypothesize about its pollinator based upon floral structure – refer to chapter 38)?
How are the fruits dispersed, if you cannot find any specific information, hypothesize based upon the type of fruit –refer to chapter 38 to refresh your memory? Is there any research about the population structure/status of this species?
Look at the phenophase summary sheet for the species (either from CPP or from USA-NPN). Briefly describe what phenophases you expect to see this season. WHY? YOU MUST SPECIFICALLY CITE PHENOPHASES FROM THE USA-NPN Nature’s Notebook and say why you think they will be visible during your observations.
Based upon your research, come up with two questions you could potentially ask and develop hypotheses for related to the phenology and ecology of your species ON CAMPUS (not generally, not anywhere random).
Minimum of three sources, at least one peer-reviewed. Also you must use in-text citations for your paper in the following format:( Schultz, 2017)
Please use complete sentences, spelling and punctuation
