During the next remaining weeks of class, we will be introducing various groups of Earth’s organisms. We will be focusing on the five

kingdoms Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia. You may choose any specific group or individual organism within these kingdoms

with the following limitations.

(1) You may investigate a single species (a specific organism) or a specific group as long as the group is a “Family” or lowerwithin its

taxonomic classification. For example: you can investigate a Red-tailed Hawk(a specific species) or the “Falconidae” family of birds

(hawks and caracaras), but not “birds” in general (Class Aves).

(2) In addition, the organism you choose must be a naturally occurring species or one that used to be (fossil groups). You cannot use

domesticated groups. Other than that, you can choose any organism or group of interest to you for this mini-topic investigation

assignment.

Here are some biological sub-topics that you might include in your assignment. You are not required to include them all, but including

even halfthis list should help you reach 700+ words, when researching and writing your assignment.

•    Specific taxonomic information (names) – this is required
•    Location/range – where is it found
•    Habitat – what ecosystems or type of environments is it found
•    Physical description/adaptations – observable characteristics or anatomic features
•    Requirements  – environmental needs (food, shelter, etc.) or unique physiological requirements
•    Behavior – unique or interesting information on how it lives
•    Ecology – any other special relationships with other organisms
•    Status – current population status, perhaps due to interactions with human populations
•    Why? – why were you interested in this organism or group.