All Questions Are Due the First Day of School

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments for AP Biology

Using your textbook and summer reading book, pick 5 of the questions below and answer them thoroughly. First each question, include at least 5 terms from Chapters 52 – 55. Underline each term and explain how it relates to the summer reading book.

**All questions are due the first day of school.

**Be prepared to take a test on the book the first week of school.

1. Mark and Delia Owens were a formidable couple from the moment they first met. First, describe how Mark and Delia first met. What drew the pair of them together? How did they know they would be a good match for each other? Then, choose at least one example from the Owens' early history together and describe how this incident showcases the Owens' desire to change the world, regardless of how well-accepted their decision might be. How did this early decision eventually lead to the couple's move to the Kalahari? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

2. While they were on the airplane relocating to Botswana, Mark had a very vivid and very disturbing dream. First, describe the dream that Mark had on the airplane. What was significant about this dream? What was Mark's initial reaction to the dream? Then, explain the symbolism that could be found in Mark's dream. Why was it significant that Mark had this dream before his first move to Africa? Finally, explain whether or not the dream was an omen of things to come and why. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

3. Bergie Berghoffer was one of the first people the Owens met during their time in the Kalahari. First, describe Bergie Berghoffer's personality and explain why he had such a close relationship with the Owens. Then explain Bergie's relationship to the wildfire that swept through the Kalahari. Why might the Owens blame Berghoffer for the damage they sustained in the fire? Do you think the Owens' blame of Berghofffer would be fair if they placed it on him? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

4. When the Owens first moved to the Kalahari, they had help from many of the locals when they were getting situated. Choose two of the locals that helped the Owens settle in the Kalahari. How did each of these people ensure that the Owens would be successful in their research? Do you think the Owens would have survived their first year in the Kalahari without this outside help? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

5. When the Owens first chose the Kalahari as their research site, they were immediately presented with major problems that threatened the success of their research. Choose two of the major problems that the Owens faced within the first month of moving to the Kalahari. How did each of these problems arise? What was the Owens' reaction to each of these problems? Do you think these were overreactions given the situations or under reactions? How can you tell? Finally, describe how each of these problems was solved so that the Owens were able to stay and research in the Kalahari.

6. The Owens' camp site was a constant stream of wild animals coming to visit, and the Owens readily formed bonds with each of the animals they met. Choose two of the smaller animals that held a special place in the heart of the Owens. How did the Owens come into contact with these small animals? How did the Owens help improve the lives of these animals? How did these animals help improve the lives of the Owens? What was the outcome of the relationship between these animals and the Owens? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

7. While the Owens were living in camp, they had many close calls with the lion pride that lived closest to them. On a daily basis, what was the relationship like between the Owens and the lions that shared the land? In your opinion, which situation between the lions and the Owens seemed the most dangerous? How can you tell? How did the Owens get out of this and other serious situations with the lions? At the end of the day, do you think the Owens were too naive about the animals they were researching? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

8. Of all the lions the Owens came into contact with, they arguably had the closest relationship with Bones. First, describe the situation in which the Owens were first introduced to Bones. How did the relationship between the Owens and Bones grow over the next few years? Then, describe how Bones died. What was the reaction from the Owens when they heard the news that Bones was dead? How did Bones' death affect the Owens' research and their relationship with animal preservation in the Kalahari? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

9. Throughout their time in the Kalahari, the Owens had a great amount of time to study the mothering habits of the various animals that lived in the desert. Choose two of the animal species that the Owens studied and describe their mothering habits. Based on the research conducted by the Owens, would you say these animal species were "good" mothers? Why or why not? How did the Owens' research on these specific species of animals affect the way the scientific world viewed mothering from a zoological stand point? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

10. The Owens' research was largely dependent on grant money they received, both personal and private. Choose two of the grants the Owens were awarded during their time in the Kalahari and describe them now. What hopes did the granting organizations place in the Owens' work in the Kalahari? Then, explain what the Owens did with each of these sums of money. In your opinion, were the funds used appropriately? Why or why not? BE sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

11. Of all the animals the Owens came into contact with, one of their closest relationships was, arguably, with Star. First, describe the situation in which the Owens were first introduced to Star. How did the relationship between the Owens and Star grow over the next few years? Then, describe how Star died. What was the reaction from the Owens when they heard the news that Star was dead? How did Star's death affect the Owens' research and their relationship with animal preservation in the Kalahari? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

12. Safari hunting in Botswana brought both positives and negatives to the country and its economy. First, describe how safari hunting benefited the country of Botswana. Then, weigh that argument against the negatives of how safari hunting hurt the country of Botswana. Then, describe how safari hunting affected the Owens during their research. How did Wes and Anne, the American safari hunters, affect the way the Owens researched in the Kalahari? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help to strengthen your arguments.

13. After Star's death, the Owens learned a lot about brown hyenas and their relationship within a gang. First, describe what the general idea of hyena social life was before the Owens arrived in the Kalahari. How did this perception of hyena behavior change due to the research the Owens conduced? Finally, explain how Star's death permanently altered the way the Owens and the rest of the scientific community viewed the sociability of brown hyenas. Be sure to include examples from your text to strengthen your arguments.

14. Mox was the man hired by the Owens to work as a research assistant while they stayed in the Kalahari. First, describe Mox's personality. How did he find out about the job in the Kalahari, and why do you think the Owens hired him? Then, explain the ways Mox adjusted to life in camp. What was the same about his life in camp and his life back in the village? What was different? Why do you think Mox chose a line of work that took him so far away from his family and friends? Finally, describe how Mox left his employment with the Owens and describe how the Owens found out about his departure. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

15. Although the Owens worked hard to help preserve the Kalahari Desert, it often seemed as if they working against much stronger forces that were determined to destroy the land. First, describe one of the natural elements the Owens were up against in their fight to preserve the Kalahari. Then, compare / contrast the damage from this natural cause with the damage from a man-made construction. Which do you think was a bigger threat to the preservation of the Kalahari? How can you tell? In what ways did the Owens fight against these forces with their hopes of preserving the land? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments. 16. During the hot, dry season, life on the Kalahari changes greatly, particularly for the Blue Pride of lions. First, describe the setting of the Kalahari during the hot, dry season. How does life in the Kalahari during the dry season compare / contrast to life on the Kalahari during the wet season? Then, describe the ways the lions alter their hunting, feeding, and living styles during the dry season. In what ways do the lions preserve their pride even when water and food is in low supply? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

17. There were many injured and sick lions that the Owens attempted to help during their time in the Kalahari. First, choose one "success" story and describe how the Owens improved the life of one lion that surely would have died without the Owens' intervention. Then, compare / contrast that story to one that was NOT successful. What was the outcome of the Owens' meddling in the second case? Then, explain whether or not you think the Owens' time in the Kalahari was beneficial to the animals there, or if the Owens put their own needs first. Explain why. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

18. One of the most emotionally scarring incidents for Mark to witness was the wildebeest migration in 1979. First, describe Mark's initial reaction to the wildebeest migration. What did he learn about the animals through observing their migration? Then, describe the problems that arose for the wildebeest during their migration. How many died in the process of reaching water? Finally, explain what measures Mark Owens took after witnessing the migration to ensure a better habitat for this group of animals. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

19. During their time in the Kalahari, the Owens helped support many new laws and ordinances that would help protect the animals in the desert. First, choose one problem that arose while the Owens were living in the Kalahari and explain their reaction to this problem. How did the Owens lobby and convince the government to address this problem? Were they successful? Why or why not? How did the Owens affect the laws regarding this issue for future generations? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

20. Because the Owens spent such a large chunk of time living in the Kalahari, their relationship and personal lives were greatly affected by their time there. First, describe the Owens' relationship when they first arrived in the Kalahari. Compare / contrast it to their relationship when they left the Kalahari for the last time. What events do you think were most integral to shaping their relationship? Describe what life was like for the Owens in the weeks and months after their return to the United States. Do you think the Owens regretted their time in the Desert? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.