Seasons of Change Activity Worksheet—Disappearing Marine Iguanas Case Study
Instructions: Complete the lab report below while you explore the impact the events have on the Marine Iguana population in the Seasons of Change Activity—Disappearing Marine Iguanas Case Study. You will submit your completed activity worksheet.
(20 points possible)
Part One
Using the map and the minimal knowledge that Liz has at this point, propose three different hypotheses regarding the sudden high mortality of marine iguanas. Post your hypotheses to the discussion board before proceeding to the next question. (3 points possible)
Hypotheses One:
Hypotheses Two:
Hypotheses Three:
Look at your classmates’ hypotheses on the discussion board. Choose one hypothesis that seems most likely to you. Provide the student name and hypothesis and tell what evidence you would need to support (or refute) it.(3 points possible)
Part Two
Given what you know at this point about marine iguanas and the abiotic effects of ENSO, develop two possible directions of research that Liz should pursue to understand exactly why the iguanas suffered such a high mortality. Keep in mind that you need to consider indirect effects. While environmental temperature does change metabolic rates of ectotherms, the iguanas are exposed to a wide range of temperatures as they feed and bask on the lava. Direct mortality in response to a temperature change of a couple of degrees is unlikely. (3 points possible)
Possible Research Direction One:
Possible Research Direction Two:
Choose one of those directions of research and determine what data you would need to find to support your ideas. (2 points possible)
Design an experiment that would help you collect the data you have identified in question four. Identify your independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), treatments, and control. Give a short explanation of how you would test your idea. (5 points possible)
What conclusions do you think Liz made about the cause of population declines in marine iguanas? (4 points possible)
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