Fighting Extinction Challenge Student Workbook Middle Years

Fighting Extinction Challenge Student Workbook Middle Years 5-8 Introduction The aim of this program is for you to: Examine a diverse range of animals and ecosystems Identify animal adaptations and classify animals using techniques to study animals in the field Identify the ecological relationships affecting the survival of a species Consider how human activities have affected the survival of a species Independently decide which local species you will advocate to conserve, through leadership back at school Learn about Wurundjeri culture and how they care for country Today’s challenge: ‘How will you help save endangered wildlife?’ The Healesville Sanctuary Learning Experiences Team respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri People as the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we work, live and learn. We recognize their continuing connection to the land, water and wildlife and pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging. Endangered Species Species Endangered 2 Wurundjeri Investigation We can all be custodians of the land just as the Wurundjeri people have been for thousands of years. During your independent investigation around Healesville Sanctuary today look for ways that the Wurundjeri people lived on and cared for country. (Please record these observations in the box below). Look (tick what you saw) Hear (what you heard) I wonder…(questions to ask an expert or investigate back at school) Bunjil Waa Mindi Signs about plant uses Signs about animal dreaming stories Sculptures Scar Tree Bark Canoe Gunyah Information about Coranderrk William Barak sculpture Information about William Barak Artefacts (eg eel trap, marngrook, possum skin cloak) 3 Animal Classification and Structural Adaptations In order for us to understand how living organisms are related, they are arranged into different groups. The more features that a group of animals share, the more specific the group is. For example, the Brush-tailed rock-wallaby below has been classified by looking at its significant structural features that help it to survive including: Distinctive facial markings with white cheeks and dorsal (back) stripe Oscillating ears allows the rock-wallaby to listen out for predators Fur body covering indicates it is a mammal Pouch for offspring indicates it is a marsupial Dark toes with padded long feet for grip and balance for hopping on rocky surfaces Thick furry tail allows the rock-wallaby to balance Common Name: Brush Tailed Rock wallaby Scientific Name: Petrogale penicillata Family: Macropodidae Order: Diprotodonita Conservation Status: Endangered/ Threatened Threats: Habitat Loss and introduced predators Task 1. Describe the structural adaptations that help the dingo to survive. 2. Classify this species using zoo signs, keeper talks and research back at school. Common Name: Scientific Name: Family: Order: Conservation Status: Threats: 4. Observe another chosen animal and sketch its physical structures and classify the species Common Name: Scientific Name: Family: Order: Conservation Status: 4 Food Webs A food web (or food cycle) is a graphical representation of what-eats-what in an ecological community. Another name for food web is consumer-resource system where energy transfers are absorbed from one organism to the next. (See example below). Arrows point to the animal doing the eating. Task 1. Study the food web of the Guthega Skink below. Based on your observations, zoo signs, keeper talks or videos at the Reptile House, what would happen to this food web if the Guthega Skink became extinct? Tertiary Tertiary Tertiary consumer consumer consumer Secondary Secondary consumer consumer Primary consumer Producer 2. Explain some of the human impacts facing the Guthega Skinks survival. 3. Investigate the food web of the Helmeted Honeyeater and sketch it below.Include labels and diagrams 4. Explain Why the Helmeted Honeyeater is so important and its relationship with producers? 5 Fighting Extinction Challenge Investigation – Places of interest Observe your group leader’s map and locate the 6 locally endangered species below Record as much information about each animal by observing the animal, listening to stories and asking questions of our keepers, educators and volunteers. Look out for the interpretive signage or videos located around the Sanctuary to help you answer the questions below. Examples are scattered below (3-4 dot point answers per square) FE species Classification Habitat Threats Adaptations e.g. conservation e.g. where it lives in e.g. human impacts e.g. body features and status, classify the Australia behaviours that help it species to survive Class: Mammalia Habitat: Family: Petauridae Status: Critically endangered – around 50 left in the wild. Distribution: Nocturnal House – Leadbeaters possum Class: Habitat: Logging Family: Grazing from introduced Status: animals and livestock Drought Distribution: Wildfire Fighting Extinction Disease Aviary – Helmeted Introduced birds and Honey-eater competition Poor drainage in habitat Habitat: small seasonal wetlands and surrounding vegetation in the Australian Alps above Class: 750 meters. Fighting Extinction Family: Distribution: Kosciusko Aviary – Southern Status: N.P & Brindabella Corroboree Frog Ranges Class: Habitat: The Wallabies can climb Family: low hanging branches Status: with their sharp claws and strong legs. Distribution: They can also climb almost vertical rocks and camouflage into the Woodlands track - shadows of rock Brush-Tailed Rock- escarpments wallaby Class: Habitat: Family: Status: Distribution: Woodlands track - Tasmanian Devil Class: Habitat: Family: Status: Distribution: Reptile House – Guthega Skink 6 What is Zoos Victoria doing to help save wildlife? Draw or write your ideas to help save wildlife 7 .

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